firearms control act - safliicompetency certificates 9. application for competency certificate 10....

FIREARMS CONTROL ACT

[Updated to 31 January 2015]

Act 60 of 2000 (GoN 343, G. 22214),

Proc. R33, G. 22347,

Proc. R52, G. 25153,

Act 43 of 2003 (GoN 1843, G. 25863, c.i.o 22 December 2003),

Proc. 28, G. 26374,

Act 28 of 2006 (GoN 775, G. 30210, commencement of ss 1(b), 1(i), 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 18 and 52: 10 January

2011 [Proc. 77, G. 33871]),

Act 2 of 2011 (GoN 426, G. 34299, c.i.o 1 December 2011 [Proc. 67, G. 34799]),

Act 28 of 2006 (GoN 775, G. 30210, commencement of ss 1(c), 1(f), 1(h), 1(l), 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 26,

27, 49, 50 and 51: 1 March 2012 [Proc. R9, G. 35047]),

Act 6 of 2010 (GoN 873, G. 33607, c.i.o 18 January 2013 [Proc. 2, G. 36080]),

Act 17 of 2011 (GoN 1014, G. 34818, c.i.o 27 April 2013 [Proc. R9, G. 36357]),

Act 15 of 2013 (GoN 531, G. 36704, c.i.o 2 January 2014 [Proc. 45, G. 36949]),

Act 37 of 2013 (GoN 52, G. 37268, c.i.o 31 January 2015 [Proc. 89, G. 38376]).

[Commencement: ss 1(ii),(iii), (iv), (vi), (xii), (xxiii), 2, 5, 113, 120(1)(a) and (c), 121, 140 and Sch 4 to the

extent that it relates to the penalties prescribed for a contravention of s 140(2): 1 June 2001; ss 1(i), (v), (ix),

(x), (xi), (xvii), (xix), (xx), (xxi), (xxii), (xxiv), (xxv), (xxvi), (xxvii), (xxviii), (xxix), (xxxi), (xxxii), (xxxiv), ss 8,

95(a)(vi), 115, 123, 124(2)(h), 124(3), 125(1)(g), 128, 129, 130, 131, 133(1)(d), (2), (3), (4), 141, 143, 144,

145(1)(a), (k), (l), (n), 145(2), 151 and 152: 1 July 2003; remaining ss: 1 July 2004]

_____________________

General Note: (1) Act 2 of 2011, s 35 substituted for the words “Secretary for Safety and Security” wherever

they occur in the Act of the words “Secretary for the Police Service”.

It is hereby notified that the President has assented to the following Act which is hereby published for

general information.

(English text signed by the President.)

(Assented to 4 April 2001.)

ACT

To establish a comprehensive and an effective system of firearms control; and to provide for matters

connected therewith.

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

PREAMBLE

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

1. Definitions

2. Purpose of Act

CHAPTER 2

PROHIBITIONS

3. General prohibition in respect of firearms and muzzle loading firearms

4. Prohibited firearms

CHAPTER 3

SPECIAL PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN DEVICES

5. Devices not firearms for purposes of this Act

CHAPTER 4

COMPETENCY CERTIFICATES, LICENCES, PERMITS, AUTHORISATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

6. Competency certificates, licences, permits or authorisations

7. Applications by persons other than natural persons

8. Accreditation

CHAPTER 5

COMPETENCY CERTIFICATES

9. Application for competency certificate

10. Competency certificate

10A. Renewal of competency certificate

CHAPTER 6

LICENCE TO POSSESS FIREARM

11. Separate licence in respect of each firearm

12. Additional licences

13. Licence to possess firearm for self-defence

14. Licence to possess restricted firearm for self-defence

15. Licence to possess firearm for occasional hunting and sports-shooting

16. Licence to possess firearm for dedicated hunting and dedicated sports-shooting

16A. Licence to possess firearm for professional hunting

17. Licence to possess firearm in private collection

18. Permit to possess ammunition in private collection

19. Licence to possess firearm, and permit to possess ammunition, in public collection

20. Licence to possess firearm for business purposes

21. Temporary authorisation to possess firearm

22. Holder of licence may allow another person to use firearm

23. Identification marks on firearms

24. Renewal of firearm licences

25. Notification of change of address

26. Notification of change of circumstances

27. Period of validity of licence or permit

28. Termination of firearm licence

29. Defaced, lost or stolen licences, permits and authorisations

30. Central firearms database

CHAPTER 7

LICENCES ISSUED TO PARTICULAR CATEGORIES OF PERSONS - DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS

AND GUNSMITHS

PART 1

DEALERS

31. Prohibition of unlicensed trading in firearms or ammunition

32. Requirements for dealer’s licence

33. Conditions imposed on dealer

34. Dealer’s licence

35. Renewal of dealer’s licence

36. Temporary authorisation to trade in firearms and ammunition on premises other than those specified

in dealer’s licence

37. Change of premises


39. Duties of dealer

40. Establishment of centralised dealers database

41. Suspension of dealer’s licence

42. Termination of dealer’s licence

43. Application of other laws

44. Defaced, lost or stolen licences

PART 2

MANUFACTURERS

45. Prohibition of unlicensed manufacture of firearms and ammunition

46. Requirements for manufacturer’s licence

47. Conditions imposed on manufacturer

48. Manufacturer’s licence

49. Renewal of manufacturer’s licence

50. Temporary authorisation to display firearms and ammunition on premises other than those specified in

manufacturer’s licence



53. Duties of manufacturer

54. Establishment of centralised manufacturers database

55. Suspension of manufacturer’s licence

56. Termination of manufacturer’s licence



PART 3

GUNSMITHS

59. Prohibition of certain work

60. Requirement for gunsmith’s licence

61. Conditions imposed on gunsmith

62. Gunsmith’s licence

63. Renewal of gunsmith’s licence

64. Temporary authorisation to conduct business as gunsmith on premises other than those specified in

gunsmith’s licence



67. Duties of gunsmith

68. Establishment of centralised gunsmiths database

69. Suspension of a gunsmith’s licence

70. Termination of gunsmith’s licence



CHAPTER 8

IMPORT, EXPORT AND CARRIAGE IN-TRANSIT OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

73. Prohibition of import, export or carriage in-transit of firearms and ammunition without permit

74. Requirements for import, export or in-transit permit

75. Conditions imposed on holder of permit

76. Import, export or in-transit permit

77. Permit constitutes licence to possess firearm or ammunition

78. Duties of holder of permit

79. Establishment of central importers and exporters database

80. Suspension of import, export and in-transit permits

81. Termination of import, export and in-transit permits

82. Defaced, lost or stolen permits

CHAPTER 9

STORAGE, TRANSPORT AND CARRYING OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

83. Storage and transport of firearms and ammunition

84. Carrying of firearm in public place

85. Firearm transporter’s permit

86. Conditions imposed on transporter of firearm


88. Cancellation of firearms transporter’s permit

89. Records to be kept

CHAPTER 10

CONTROL OF AMMUNITION AND FIREARM PARTS

90. Prohibition of possession of ammunition

91. Restrictions on possession of ammunition

92. Prohibitions and restrictions on use of certain ammunition

93. Loading or reloading of ammunition

94. Prohibition of possession of firearm parts

CHAPTER 11

EXEMPTIONS

95. Definitions

96. Exemptions

97. Conditions applicable to institution accredited by Registrar

98. Possession and use of firearms by Official Institutions

99. Register to be kept by Official Institution

100. Establishment of central Official Institution firearms database

101. Official Institution’s workstations

CHAPTER 12

DECLARATION OF PERSONS AS UNFIT TO POSSESS FIREARM

102. Declaration by Registrar of person as unfit to possess firearm

103. Declaration by court of person to be unfit to possess firearm

104. Effect of declaration of unfitness

105. Proof of declaration of unfitness

CHAPTER 13

INSPECTIONS

106. Production of licences and firearms for inspection

107. Duty to comply with request of police official or authorised person

108. Request for information

109. Inspection of premises

CHAPTER 14

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

110. Chapter 2 of Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, to apply

111. Search and seizure in course of policing operations in terms of South African Police Service Act, 1995

112. Exercise of powers set out in section 37 of Criminal Procedure Act, 1977

113. Fingerprint, body-prints and bodily samples for investigation purposes

114. Ballistic testing

115. Inspection, search and seizure for inquiry or investigation (with special warrant)

116. Incidental discovery

CHAPTER 15

PRESUMPTIONS

117. Presumptions of possession of firearm or ammunition

118. Presumptions relating to failure to report

119. Presumption of failure to take reasonable steps

CHAPTER 16

OFFENCES, PENALTIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FINES

120. Offences

121. Penalties

122. Administrative fines

CHAPTER 17

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURES

123. Registrar of Firearms

124. Functions of Registrar

125. Central Firearms Register

126. Certificate signed by Registrar to constitute prima facie evidence

127. Appointment and functions of Head of Office of Central Firearms Register

128. Establishment of Appeal Board

129. Conditions of service, remuneration and allowances of members of Appeal Board

130. Quorum, meetings and procedure of Appeal Board

131. Administrative work of Appeal Board

132. Establishment of Ministerial Committees

CHAPTER 18

RIGHT OF APPEAL

133. Right of appeal

CHAPTER 19

COMPENSATION

134. Circumstances where no compensation is payable in respect of firearms and ammunition forfeited to

State

135. Circumstances where no compensation is payable in respect of firearms and ammunition seized by

State

136. No compensation payable where firearms or ammunition is destroyed by State

137. Application for compensation

CHAPTER 20

SPECIAL POWERS RELATING TO AMNESTIES AND FIREARM-FREE ZONES

138. Definition

139. Amnesty

140. Firearm-free zones

CHAPTER 21

GENERAL PROVISIONS

141. Delegation of powers and assignment of duties

142. Designation as police officials

143. Service of documents

144. Return of service

145. Regulations

146. Disposal of firearms in case of ceasing to carry on business

147. Disposal of firearms in case of death

148. Inherited firearms

149. Compulsory destruction of firearms, muzzle loading firearms and ammunition

150. Deactivation of firearms or muzzle loading firearms

151. Jurisdiction of magistrates’ court

152. Act binds State

153. Repeal of laws

154. Short title

SCHEDULE 1

TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

1. Existing licence to possess an arm

1A. Muzzle loading firearms

2. Existing dealer’s licences

3. Existing permit for importation or exportation of arms and ammunition

4. Existing permit for manufacture of arms and ammunition

4A. Existing registration certificate to carry on trade of gunsmith

5. Existing authorisations and certain existing permits

6. Person unfit to possess a firearm

7. Register in terms of previous Act to be kept by Registrar

8. Matters pending under previous Act

9. Investigations by Commissioner under previous Act

10. Consideration of validity of existing licence, permit and authorisation

11. Renewal of licence

SCHEDULE 2

CRIMES AND OFFENCES GIVING RISE TO UNFITNESS ENQUIRY BY COURT

SCHEDULE 3

LAWS REPEALED

SCHEDULE 4

PENALTIES

PREAMBLE

WHEREAS every person has the right to life and the right to security of the person, which includes, among

other things, the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources;

AND WHEREAS the adequate protection of such rights is fundamental to the wellbeing and social and

economic development of every person;

AND WHEREAS the increased availability and abuse of firearms and ammunition has contributed

significantly to the high levels of violent crime in our society;

AND WHEREAS the Constitution places a duty on the State to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights

in the Bill of Rights;

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows.

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

1. Definitions

In this Act, unless the context indicates otherwise—

“accredit” means accredit as contemplated in section 8;

[Commencement of “accredit”: 1 July 2003.]

“airgun” means any device manufactured to discharge a bullet or any other projectile—

(a) of a calibre of less than 5.6 mm (.22 calibre); or

(b) at a muzzle energy of less than 8 joules (6ft-lbs),

by means of compressed gas and not by means of burning propellant;

[Commencement of “airgun”: 1 June 2001; “airgun” subs by s 1(a) of Act 43 of 2003.]

“ammunition” means a primer or complete cartridge;

[Commencement of “ammunition”: 1 June 2001.]

“antique firearm” …

[“antique firearm” rep by s 1(b) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

“Appeal Board” means the Appeal Board established by section 128;

[Commencement of “Appeal Board”: 1 July 2003.]

“authorised person” …

[“authorised person” ins by s 7(a) of Act 6 of 2010; rep by s 8 of Act 37 of 2013.]

“body-prints” …

[“body-prints” ins by s 7(a) of Act 6 of 2010; rep by s 8 of Act 37 of 2013.]

“calibre”, for the purposes of sections 18(2)(b) and 19(3), means a cartridge as described by

dimensions and make, mark, model or type;

[“calibre” ins by s 1(c) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

“cartridge” means a complete object consisting of a cartridge case, primer, propellant and bullet;

[Commencement of “cartridge”: 1 June 2001.]

“child” …

[“child” ins by s 7(b) of Act 6 of 2010; rep by s 8 of Act 37 of 2013.]

“comparative search” …

[“comparative search” ins by s 7(b) of Act 6 of 2010; rep by s 8 of Act 37 of 2013.]

“competency certificate” means a competency certificate contemplated in Chapter 5;

[Commencement of “competency certificate”: 1 July 2004.]

“dealer” means any person who is licensed in terms of this Act to trade in firearms and ammunition;

[Commencement of “dealer”: 1 July 2004.]

“dedicated hunter” means a person who actively participates in hunting activities and who is a

member of an accredited hunting association;

[Commencement of “dedicated hunter”: 1 July 2003.]

“dedicated sports person” means a person who actively participates in sports-shooting and who is a

member of an accredited sports-shooting organisation;

[Commencement of “dedicated sports person”: 1 July 2003.]

“Designated Firearms Officer” means a police official contemplated in section 124(2)(h);

[Commencement of “Designated Firearms Officer”: 1 July 2003.]

“firearm” means any—

(a) device manufactured or designed to propel a bullet or projectile through a barrel or cylinder by

means of burning propellant, at a muzzle energy exceeding 8 joules (6 ft-lbs);

(b) device manufactured or designed to discharge rim-fire, centre-fire or pin-fire ammunition;

(c) device which is not at the time capable of discharging any bullet or projectile, but which can be

readily altered to be a firearm within the meaning of paragraph (a) or (b);

(d) device manufactured to discharge a bullet or any other projectile of a calibre of 5.6 mm (.22

calibre) or higher at a muzzle energy of more than 8 joules (6 ft-lbs), by means of compressed

gas and not by means of burning propellant; or

[“firearm” para (d) subs by s 1(b) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(e) barrel, frame or receiver of a device referred to in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d),

but does not include a muzzle loading firearm or any device contemplated in section 5;

[Commencement of “firearm”: 1 June 2001; words following para (e) subs by s 1(f) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1

March 2012.]

“fully automatic” means capable of discharging more than one shot with a single depression of the

trigger;

[Commencement of “fully automatic”: 1 July 2004.]

“gunsmith” means any person who performs work contemplated in section 59, but who does not

manufacture firearms;

[Commencement of “gunsmith”: 1 July 2004.]

“handgun” means a pistol or revolver which can be held in and discharged with one hand;

[Commencement of “handgun”: 1 July 2004.]

“imitation firearm” means anything that has the appearance of a firearm but is not capable of

operating as such and cannot by superficial examination be identified as an imitation;

[Commencement of “imitation firearm”: 1 July 2004.]

“juristic person” includes a trust;

[“juristic person” subs by s 1(h) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

“load” includes reload, and “loading” has a corresponding meaning;

[Commencement of “load”: 1 July 2004.]

“Minister” means the Minister of Safety and Security;

[Commencement of “Minister”: 1 July 2003.]

“muzzle loading firearm” means—

(a) a barreled device that can fire only a single shot, per barrel, and requires after each shot fired

the individual reloading through the muzzle end of the barrel with separate components

consisting of a—

(i) measured charge of black powder or equivalent propellant;

(ii) wad; and

(iii) lead bullet, sabot or shot functioning as a projectile,

and ignited with a flint, match, wheel or percussion cap;

[“muzzle loading firearm” ins by s 1(i) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

“National Commissioner” means the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service,

appointed in terms of section 207(1) of the Constitution;

[Commencement of “National Commissioner”: 1 July 2003.]

“occasional hunter” means any person who, from time to time, participates in hunting activities but

who is not a member of an accredited hunting association;

[Commencement of “occasional hunter”: 1 July 2003.]

“occasional sports person” means any person who, from time to time, participates in sports-

shooting but who is not a member of an accredited sports-shooting organisation;

[Commencement of “occasional sports person”: 1 July 2003.]

“police official” means—

(a) a member of the South African Police Service as defined in section 1 of the South African Police

Service Act, 1995 (Act 68 of 1995), and a member of any municipal police service established in

terms of that Act;

(b) a person designated by the Minister as a police official under section 142; and

(c) a member of the South African National Defence Force deployed in co-operation with the South

African Police Service;

[Commencement of “police official”: 1 June 2001.]

“prescribed” means prescribed by regulation;

[Commencement of “prescribed”: 1 July 2003.]

“previous Act” means the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act 75 of 1969);

[Commencement of “previous Act”: 1 July 2003.]

“private collector” means a person who collects firearms or ammunition, who is a member of an

accredited collector’s association and who is not a public collector;

[Commencement of “private collector”: 1 July 2003.]

“professional hunter” means any person who supervises, escorts, offers to, or agrees to supervise

or escort a client, for reward in connection with the hunting of a wild or exotic animal and who is

authorised to do so in terms of any applicable provincial law;

[“professional hunter” ins by s 1(l) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

“public collector” means a person who collects firearms or ammunition for display to the public and

is accredited as such;

[Commencement of “public collector”: 1 July 2003.]

“Registrar” means the person referred to in section 123;

[Commencement of “Registrar”: 1 July 2003.]

“regulation” means a regulation made under section 145;

[Commencement of “regulation”: 1 July 2003.]

“restricted firearm” means any firearm contemplated in section 14(1);

[Commencement of “restricted firearm”: 1 July 2004.]

[Editor Note: The definition of “Secretary for Safety and Security” is to be inserted by section 1(m) of Act 28

of 2006 with effect from a date to be proclaimed. The substitution of this definition for the definition

“Secretary for the Police Service” by section 35 of Act 2 of 2011 can thus not be effected.]

“security company” …

[“security company” rep by s 1(c) of Act 43 of 2003.]

“security officer” means any person who is employed by a security company;

[“security officer” subs by s 1(d) of Act 43 of 2003.]

“security service provider” means a security service provider as defined in section 1 of the Private

Security Industry Regulation Act, 2001 (Act 56 of 2001);

[“security service provider” ins by s 1(e) of Act 43 of 2003.]

“semi-automatic” means self-loading but not capable of discharging more than one shot with a single

depression of the trigger;

[Commencement of “semi-automatic”: 1 July 2004.]

“this Act” includes any regulation;

[Commencement of “this Act”: 1 July 2003.]

“transfer” includes selling, letting, donating, lending or otherwise parting with possession.

[Commencement of “transfer”: 1 July 2004.]

2. Purpose of Act

The purpose of this Act is to—

(a) enhance the constitutional rights to life and bodily integrity;

(b) prevent the proliferation of illegally possessed firearms and, by providing for the removal of

those firearms from society and by improving control over legally possessed firearms, to prevent

crime involving the use of firearms;

(c) enable the State to remove illegally possessed firearms from society, to control the supply,

possession, safe storage, transfer and use of firearms and to detect and punish the negligent or

criminal use of firearms;

(d) establish a comprehensive and effective system of firearm control and management; and

(e) ensure the efficient monitoring and enforcement of legislation pertaining to the control of

firearms.

[Commencement of s 2: 1 June 2001.]

CHAPTER 2

PROHIBITIONS

3. General prohibition in respect of firearms and muzzle loading firearms

(1) No person may possess a firearm unless he or she holds for that firearm—

(a) a licence, permit or authorisation issued in terms of this Act; or

(b) a licence, permit, authorisation or registration certificate contemplated in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A or 5

of Schedule 1.

(2) No person may possess a muzzle loading firearm unless he or she has been issued with the relevant

competency certificate.

[S 3 subs by s 2 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

4. Prohibited firearms

(1) The following firearms and devices are prohibited firearms and may not be possessed or licensed in

terms of this Act, except as provided for in sections 17, 18(5), 19 and 20(1)(b)—

(a) any fully automatic firearm;

(b) any gun, cannon, recoilless gun, mortar, light mortar or launcher manufactured to fire a rocket,

grenade, self-propelled grenade, bomb or explosive device;

(c) any frame, body or barrel of such a fully automatic firearm, gun, cannon, recoilless gun, mortar,

light mortar or launcher;

(d) any projectile or rocket manufactured to be discharged from a cannon, recoilless gun or mortar,

or rocket launcher;

(e) any imitation of any device contemplated in paragraph (b), (c) excluding the frame, body or

barrel of a fully automatic firearm, or (d);

[S 4(1)(e) subs by s 3 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(f) any firearm—

(i) the mechanism of which has been altered so as to enable the discharging of more than

one shot with a single depression of the trigger;

(ii) the calibre of which has been altered without the written permission of the Registrar;

(iii) the barrel length of which has been altered without the written permission of the

Registrar;

(iv) the serial number or any other identifying mark of which has been changed or removed

without the written permission of the Registrar.

(2) For purposes of subsection (1)(f)(iii), the incidental alteration of the length of the barrel of a firearm by

a gunsmith in the ordinary course of a gunsmith’s work which does not have as an objective the

alteration of the length of the barrel of that firearm must not be regarded as an alteration contemplated

in that subsection.

[S 4(2) subs by s 2 of Act 43 of 2003.]

(3)

(a) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare any other firearm of a specified type to be a

prohibited firearm if it is—

(i) in the interest of public safety; or

(ii) desirable for the maintenance of law and order.

(b) A notice contemplated in paragraph (a) must be tabled in Parliament at least 14 days before

publication thereof if Parliament is then sitting, and if Parliament is not sitting, within seven days

after the commencement of the next sitting.

(c) A notice contemplated in paragraph (a) is of full force and effect until withdrawn by the Minister

or by a resolution of Parliament.

[Commencement of s 4: 1 July 2004.]

CHAPTER 3

SPECIAL PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN DEVICES

5. Devices not firearms for purposes of this Act

(1) For purposes of this Act, the following devices are not regarded as firearms—

(a) any explosive powered tool manufactured specifically for use in industrial application, including

line-throwing guns and impex-type building pistols;

(b) any explosive powered tool manufactured to split rock or concrete by means of discharging an

explosive cartridge;

(c) any industrial tool manufactured for use in the mining and steel industry to remove refractory

material;

(d) any captive bolt gun manufactured for use in an abattoir in the humane killing of animals;

(e) a muzzle loading firearm;

[S 5(1)(e) subs by s 4 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

(f) an airgun;

(g) a tranquiliser firearm;

(h) a paintball gun;

(i) a flare gun;

(j) a deactivated firearm; and

(k) any other device which the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, exempt.

(2) A notice contemplated in subsection (1)(k) must be tabled in Parliament at least 14 days before

publication thereof if Parliament is then sitting, and if Parliament is not sitting, within seven days after

the commencement of the next sitting.

(3) A notice contemplated in subsection (1)(k) is of full force and effect until withdrawn by the Minister or

by a resolution of Parliament.


CHAPTER 4

COMPETENCY CERTIFICATES, LICENCES, PERMITS, AUTHORISATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

6. Competency certificates, licences, permits and authorisations

(1) The Registrar may issue any competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation contemplated in

this Act—

(a) on receipt of an application completed in the prescribed form, including a full set of fingerprints

of the applicant; and

(b) if the applicant complies with all the applicable requirements of this Act.

(2) Subject to section 7, no licence may be issued to a person who is not in possession of the relevant

competency certificate.

(3) Every application for a competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation must be accompanied

by such information as may be prescribed.


7. Applications by persons other than natural persons

(1) When a juristic person wishes to apply for a licence, permit or authorisation in terms of this Act, it must

nominate a natural person to apply on its behalf.

(2) The person so nominated must be identified on the licence, permit or authorisation as the responsible

person.

(3) A responsible person who holds any licence, permit or authorisation issued in terms of this Act

pursuant to an application contemplated in subsection (1) on behalf of the juristic person must for

purposes of this Act be regarded as the holder of the licence in question.

(4) If it becomes necessary to replace a responsible person for any reason, the juristic person must in

writing—

(a) nominate a new responsible person who must be in possession of the relevant competency

certificate; and

(b) notify the Registrar of the nomination within seven days from the date of the nomination.

[S 7(4) subs by s 6(a) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(5) For the purposes of this Act, a juristic person includes a trust, as long as the trust deed—

(a) clearly provides for the possession of firearms, ammunition or muzzle loading firearms by the

trust;

(b) stipulates clearly the intended purpose of the possession of firearms, ammunition or muzzle

loading firearms by the trust; and

(c) indicates that the possession of the firearms, ammunition or muzzle loading firearms by the trust

may only endure as long as the possession is necessary to achieve the stated intended

purpose.

[Commencement of s 7: 1 July 2004; s 7(5) ins by s 6(b) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

8. Accreditation

(1) Any accreditation required in terms of this Act must be done by the Registrar in accordance with such

regulations as may be prescribed.

(2) The regulations contemplated in subsection (1) may set out different sets of criteria, in respect of

different accreditations, which the Registrar must apply when issuing an accreditation and which

criteria must at least include criteria relating to—

(a) trustworthiness and integrity;

(b) suitability to perform the relevant functions in terms of this Act;

(c) capacity to serve the purpose of the accreditation; and

(d) capacity to advance the purposes of this Act.

(3)

(a) The Registrar may, by notice in writing, cancel an accreditation issued in terms of this Act if—

(i) there is no longer compliance with any criterion for accreditation;

(ii) the holder of the accreditation no longer qualifies to hold the accreditation in terms of this

Act; or

(iii) the holder of the accreditation has contravened or failed to comply with any provision of

this Act or any condition specified in the accreditation.

(b) A notice contemplated in subparagraph (a) may only be issued if the Registrar has—

(i) given the holder of the accreditation notice in writing of the grounds on which the

cancellation is to be considered;

(ii) informed the holder concerned in writing that he or she may submit written

representations, within 30 days, as to why the accreditation should not be cancelled; and

(iii) duly considered any representations received and all the facts pertaining to the matter.


(4)

(a) If a notice contemplated in subsection (3) is issued in the case of an accreditation in respect of

an association or organisation contemplated in section 16, 17, 18 or 19—

(i) such notice must be published in the Gazette; and

(ii) the registered members of that association or organisation must, within six months from

the date of publication, join another relevant accredited association or organisation.

(b) If a notice contemplated in subsection (3) is issued in the case of a licence issued in terms of

section 20(2)(b) to (f), the former holder of the accreditation must dispose of the firearm in

question through a dealer or in such manner as the Registrar may determine.

(c) The disposal must take place within 60 days of the receipt of the notice or determination.

[S 8(4) ins by s 7(b) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(5) If the firearm is not disposed of within 60 days—

(a) it must be forfeited to the State; and

(b) the former holder of the accreditation must surrender it immediately at such place and in such

manner as the Registrar may determine.

[S 8(5) ins by s 7(b) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(6) Any period contemplated in this section may be extended by the Registrar on good cause shown.

[Commencement of s 8: 1 July 2003; s 8(6) ins by s 7(b) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

CHAPTER 5

COMPETENCY CERTIFICATES

9. Application for competency certificate

(1) An application for a competency certificate to possess a firearm, to possess a muzzle loading firearm,

to possess a firearm as a private collector in such specific category as may be prescribed, to trade in

firearms, to manufacture firearms or to carry on business as a gunsmith must be delivered to the

Designated Firearms Officer responsible for the area in which the applicant ordinarily resides or in

which the applicant’s business is or will be situated, as the case may be.

[S 9(1) subs by s 8 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

(2) Where a person has not previously obtained a competency certificate, a competency certificate may

only be issued to such person if he or she—

(a) is 21 years or older on the day the application is received by the Designated Firearms Officer;

(b) is a South African citizen or a holder of a permanent South African residence permit;

(c) is a fit and proper person to possess a firearm, to trade in firearms, to manufacture firearms or

to conduct business as a gunsmith, as the case may be;

(d) is of stable mental condition and is not inclined to violence;

(e) is not dependent on any substance which has an intoxicating or narcotic effect;

(f) has not been convicted of any offence under or in terms of this Act or the previous Act and

sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine;

(g) has not been convicted, whether in or outside South Africa, of an offence involving the unlawful

use or handling of a firearm by him or her or another participant to the offence, whether

committed in or outside South Africa;

(h) has not been convicted, whether in or outside South Africa, of an offence involving—

(i) violence or sexual abuse, whether committed in or outside South Africa, and sentenced

to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine; or

(ii) physical or sexual abuse which occurred within a domestic relationship as defined in

section 1 of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act 116 of 1998), whether committed in or

outside South Africa;

(i) has not been convicted of fraud in relation to, or supplying false information for the purposes of,

obtaining a competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation in terms of this Act or the

previous Act;

(j) has not been convicted, whether in or outside South Africa, of an offence involving the abuse of

alcohol or drugs, whether committed in or outside South Africa, and sentenced to a period of

imprisonment without the option of a fine;

(k) has not been convicted, whether in or outside South Africa, of an offence involving dealing in

drugs, whether committed in or outside South Africa, and sentenced to a period of imprisonment

without the option of a fine;

(l) has not been convicted of an offence in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act 116 of

1998), and sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine;

(m) has not been convicted of an offence involving the negligent handling of a firearm;

(n) has not been convicted of an offence in terms of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act 26 of 1956), and


(o) has not been convicted, whether in or outside South Africa, of an offence involving sabotage,

terrorism, public violence, arson, intimidation, rape, kidnapping or child stealing, whether

committed in or outside South Africa;

[S 9(2)(o) subs by s 3 of Act 43 of 2003.]

(p) has not become or been declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of this Act or the previous

Act;

(q) has successfully completed the prescribed test on knowledge of this Act;

(r) has successfully completed the prescribed training and practical tests regarding the safe and

efficient handling of a firearm; and

(s) has, where applicable, successfully completed the prescribed training and practical tests for

firearms dealers, manufacturers, gunsmiths, security officers or other persons who use firearms

in the course of their business.

(3) Any offence referred to in subsection (2) includes any conspiracy, incitement or attempt to commit

such offence, and means an offence in respect of which—

(a) a court has not made a determination that the person is not unfit to possess a firearm despite

the conviction; and

(b) the sentence has been complied with less than five years before the application for a

competency certificate was received by the Designated Firearms Officer.

(4) The disqualification contemplated in subsection (2)(p) ends upon the expiry of a period of five years

calculated from the date on which the person became or was declared unfit, or the expiry of the period

for which the declaration is valid, whichever occurs first.

(5)

(a) Despite subsection (2)(a), the Registrar may allow a person under the age of 21 years to apply

for a competency certificate if there are compelling reasons which require the person to obtain a

competency certificate or licence to possess a firearm.

(b) Compelling reasons contemplated in paragraph (a) may include the fact that the applicant

conducts a business, is gainfully employed, a dedicated hunter, a dedicated sports person or a

private collector.

(6)

(a) Where a person has previously obtained a competency certificate, a further competency

certificate may only be issued to such person if he or she satisfies such requirements as may be

prescribed.

(b) The requirements contemplated in paragraph (a) may not be more onerous than those

applicable to a person who has not previously obtained a competency certificate.


10. Competency certificate

(1) A competency certificate must specify—

(a) whether it relates to competency to—

(i) possess a firearm;

(iA) possess a muzzle loading firearm;

[S 10(1)(a)(iA) ins by s 9(a) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

(iB) possess a firearm as a private collector in such specific category as may be prescribed;

[S 10(1)(a)(iB) ins by s 9(a) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

(ii) trade in firearms;

(iii) manufacture firearms; or

(iv) conduct business as a gunsmith; and

(b) all the relevant tests successfully completed by the holder.

(2) A competency certificate contemplated in subsection (1)(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), remains valid for the

same period of validity as the period determined in this Act in respect of the licence to which the

competency certificate relates, unless the competency certificate is terminated or renewed in

accordance with the provisions of this Act.

[S 10(2) subs by s 9(b) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

(3) A competency certificate relating to a muzzle loading firearm lapses after ten years from its date of

issue, unless the competency certificate is terminated or renewed in accordance with the provisions of

this Act.

[Commencement of s 10: 1 July 2004; s 10(3) ins by s 9(c) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

10A. Renewal of competency certificate

(1) Any holder of a competency certificate contemplated in subsection (2) and section 9(1) and who

wishes to renew the competency certificate must apply in the prescribed form to the Registrar for its

renewal together with an application for the renewal of the licence to which the competency certificate

relates.

(2) Any holder of a competency certificate relating to a muzzle loading firearm who wishes to renew the

competency certificate must apply at least 90 days before the date of expiry of the competency

certificate in the prescribed form to the Registrar for its renewal.

(3) The application for renewal of a competency certificate must be—

(a) accompanied by a declaration under oath or solemn statement made by the applicant in the

prescribed form confirming that the applicant still conforms to the requirements of section 9(2);

and

(b) delivered by the applicant to the Designated Firearms Officer responsible for the area in which

the applicant ordinarily resides or in which the applicant’s business is situated, as the case may

be.

(4) No application for the renewal of a competency certificate may be granted unless the applicant

satisfies the Registrar that he or she still complies with the requirements for the issuing of a

competency certificate in terms of this Act.

(5) The Registrar may grant or refuse the renewal of a competency certificate on the strength of the

information and declaration provided by the applicant, but nothing in this section prevents the

Registrar from exercising his or her powers in terms of section 124(3)(a), prior to granting or refusing

the application.

(6) If an application for the renewal of a competency certificate has been lodged within the period

provided for in subsection (2), the competency certificate remains valid until the application is decided.

(7) For the purposes of the renewal of a competency certificate an applicant does not have to comply

again with the provisions of section 9(2)(q) and (r), unless the Registrar in a specific case, on good

grounds being present, requires otherwise.

[S 10A ins by s 10 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

CHAPTER 6

LICENCE TO POSSESS FIREARM

11. Separate licence in respect of each firearm

(1) The Registrar must issue a separate licence in respect of each firearm licensed in terms of this

Chapter.

(2) Despite subsection (1), the Registrar may issue to a person a single document containing licences in

respect of more than one firearm.


12. Additional licences

(1) The Registrar may issue an additional licence in respect of a firearm contemplated in section 13, 14,

15 and 16 to every person who resides on the same premises as the holder of the licence in respect of

the firearm in question.

(2) Every holder of an additional licence must comply with all the requirements for the issue of a licence in

respect of the firearm in question.

(3) If the holder of an additional licence contemplated in subsection (1) moves from the premises in

question, such additional licence lapses and the person to whom such licence was issued must return

that licence to the Registrar forthwith.


13. Licence to possess firearm for self-defence

(1) A firearm in respect of which a licence may be issued in terms of this section is any—

(a) shotgun which is not fully or semi-automatic; or

(b) handgun which is not fully automatic.

(2) The Registrar may issue a licence under this section to any natural person who—

(a) needs a firearm for self-defence; and

(b) cannot reasonably satisfy that need by means other than the possession of a firearm.

(3) No person may hold more than one licence issued in terms of this section.

(4) A firearm in respect of which a licence has been issued in terms of this section may be used where it

is safe to use the firearm and for a lawful purpose.


14. Licence to possess restricted firearm for self-defence

(1) For purposes of this Act, a restricted firearm is any—

(a) semi-automatic rifle or shotgun, which cannot readily be converted into a fully automatic firearm;

or

(b) firearm declared by the Minister, by notice in the Gazette, to be a restricted firearm.

(2) A notice contemplated in subsection (1)(b) must be tabled in Parliament at least 14 days before



(3) A notice contemplated in subsection (1)(b) will be of full force and effect until withdrawn by the Minister

or by a resolution of Parliament.

(4) The Registrar may issue a licence in terms of this section to any natural person who shows that a

firearm contemplated in section 13(1) will not provide sufficient protection, and who submits

reasonable information to motivate the need for a restricted firearm for self-defence purposes.

(5) No person may hold more than one licence issued in terms of this section.




15. Licence to possess firearm for occasional hunting and sports-shooting


(a) handgun which is not fully automatic;

(b) rifle or shotgun which is not fully or semi-automatic; or

(c) barrel, frame or receiver of a handgun, rifle or shotgun contemplated in paragraph (a) or (b),

and which is not a restricted firearm.

(2) The Registrar may issue a licence in terms of this section to any natural person who is an occasional

hunter or occasional sports person.

(3)

(a) Subject to paragraphs (b), (c) and (d), no person may hold more than four licences issued in

terms of this section.

(b) If a person holds a licence issued in terms of section 13, he or she may only hold three licences

issued in terms of this section.

(c) A person may not hold more than one licence in respect of a handgun contemplated in

subsection (1)(a).

(d) If a person contemplated in paragraph (a) holds any additional licences contemplated in section

12 in respect of a firearm contemplated in this section and section 13, the number of licences

which that person may hold must be reduced by the number of such additional licences held.




16. Licence to possess firearm for dedicated hunting and dedicated sports-shooting



(b) rifle or shotgun which is not fully automatic;

(c) semi-automatic shotgun manufactured to fire no more than five shots in succession without

having to be reloaded; or

[S 16(1)(c) subs by s 4 of Act 43 of 2003.]

(d) barrel, frame or receiver of a handgun, rifle or shotgun contemplated in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).

(2) The Registrar may issue a licence in terms of this section to any natural person who is a dedicated

hunter or dedicated sports person if the application is accompanied by a sworn statement or solemn

declaration from the chairperson of an accredited hunting association or sports-shooting organisation,

or someone delegated in writing by him or her, stating that the applicant is a registered member of that

association.



(4) Every accredited hunting association and sports-shooting organisation must—

(a) keep a register which contains such information as may be prescribed; and

(b) submit an annual report to the Registrar which contains such information as may be prescribed.


16A. Licence to possess firearm for professional hunting



(b) rifle or shotgun which is not fully automatic; or

(c) barrel, frame or receiver of a handgun, rifle or shotgun contemplated in paragraph (a) or (b).

(2) The Registrar may issue a licence in terms of this section to any natural person who is a professional

hunter if the application is accompanied by a sworn statement or solemn declaration from the

chairperson of an accredited professional hunting association, or someone delegated in writing by him

or her, stating that the applicant is a professional hunter and registered member of that association.

(3) A firearm in respect of which a licence has been issued in terms of this section may be used by the

professional hunter for his or her private use and professional hunting purposes where it is safe to use

the firearm and for a lawful purpose.

(4) Every accredited professional hunting association must—

(a) keep a register which contains such information as may be prescribed; and

(b) submit an annual report to the Registrar which contains such information as may be prescribed.

[S 16A ins by s 12 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

17. Licence to possess firearm in private collection

(1)

(a) A firearm which may be possessed in a private collection is any firearm approved for collection

by an accredited collector’s association, based upon such historical, technological, scientific,

educational, cultural, commemorative, investment, rarity, thematic or artistic value determined

by the association.

(b) Where a firearm is approved for collection as a heritage item as defined in the National Heritage

Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999), such approval is subject to confirmation by the South

African Heritage Resources Agency or any of its appointed agents.

(1A) Despite section 4, such prohibited or restricted firearm as may be prescribed may be licensed under

this section.

(2) The Registrar may issue a licence in terms of this section to a private collector if the application is

accompanied by a sworn statement or solemn declaration from the chairperson of an accredited

collectors association, or someone delegated in writing by him or her, stating that the applicant is a

registered member of that association and qualifies to collect the firearm, prohibited firearm or

restricted firearm.

(3) The holder of a licence issued in terms of this section—

(a) must store the firearm at the place specified in the licence; and

(b) may only display the firearm in accordance with such safety measures as may be prescribed.

(3A) Before a prohibited or restricted firearm is stored in terms of subsection (3)(a), it must undergo such

reversible non-damaging procedure as may be prescribed in order to ensure that no cartridge can be

loaded into or discharged from that firearm.



[S 17 subs by s 13 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

18. Permit to possess ammunition in private collection

(1) Ammunition which may be possessed in a private collection is any ammunition approved for collection

by an accredited collectors association.

(2)

(a) The Registrar may, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, issue a permit in terms of

this section to a private collector if the application is accompanied by a sworn statement or

solemn declaration from the chairperson of an accredited collectors association, or someone

delegated in writing by him or her, stating that the applicant is a registered member of that

association.

[S 18(2)(a) subs by s 3 of Act 43 of 2003.]

(b) A collector contemplated in paragraph (a) may not possess more than 200 rounds of

ammunition of any particular calibre unless the Registrar approves the possession of a higher

number in writing.

(3) The holder of a permit issued in terms of this section may not discharge any ammunition in his or her

collection.

(4) The holder of a permit issued in terms of this section—

(a) must store the ammunition at the place specified in the permit; and

(b) may only display the ammunition in accordance with such safety measures as may be

prescribed.

(5) Despite section 4, the holder of a permit issued in terms of this section may possess projectiles, rifle

grenades and cartridges manufactured to be discharged by prohibited firearms if the propellant, high

explosive and primer of the projectiles, rifle grenades and cartridges have been removed or

deactivated.

[Commencement of s 18: 1 July 2004; s 18(5) subs by s 14 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

19. Licence to possess a firearm, and permit to possess ammunition, in public collection

(1) The Registrar may issue a licence to possess a firearm in a public collection, a permit to possess

ammunition in a public collection, or both such permit and licence, to a public collector or an

accredited museum.


(2) Despite section 4—

(a) such prohibited and restricted firearm as may be prescribed may be licensed under this section;

and

[S 19(2)(a) subs by s 15(b) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(b) the holder of a permit issued in terms of this section may possess projectiles, rifle grenades and

cartridges manufactured to be discharged by prohibited firearms if the propellant, high explosive

and primer of the projectiles, rifle grenades and cartridges have been removed or deactivated.

[S 19(2)(b) subs by s 15(b) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(3) The holder of a permit contemplated in subsection (1) may not possess more than 200 rounds of

ammunition of any particular calibre unless the Registrar approves the possession of a higher number

in writing.

(4) A firearm, prohibited firearm and restricted firearm in respect of which a licence has been issued in

terms of this section and ammunition in respect of which a permit has been issued in terms of this

section, may only be displayed—

(a) in an accredited museum or by an accredited public collector; and

(b) in accordance with such safety measures as may be prescribed.

[S 19(4) subs by s 15(c) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(4A) Before a prohibited or restricted firearm is displayed in terms of subsection (4), it must undergo such

reversible non-damaging procedure as may be prescribed in order to ensure that no cartridge can be

loaded into or discharged from that firearm.

[S 19(4A) ins by s 15(d) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(5) A firearm in respect of which a licence has been issued in terms of this section may only be used on

an accredited shooting range in accordance with the rules of that shooting range and in accordance

with such conditions as the Registrar may impose.

(6) The holder of a permit issued in terms of this section may not discharge any ammunition in his or her

collection.


20. Licence to possess firearm for business purposes

(1)

(a) A firearm in respect of which a licence may be issued in terms of this section is any firearm

other than a prohibited firearm.

(b) Despite paragraph (a), a licence in respect of a prohibited firearm may be issued to a person

contemplated in subsection (2)(c) but such person may only provide the prohibited firearm for

use in theatrical, film or television productions and then only if the prior written approval of the

Registrar has been obtained and on such conditions as the Registrar may impose.

(2) The Registrar may issue a licence in terms of this section to—

(a) a security service provider;

[S 20(2)(a) subs by s 6(a) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(b) a person who is accredited to provide training in the use of firearms;

(c) a person who is accredited to provide firearms for use in theatrical, film or television

productions;

(d) a person who is accredited as a game rancher;

[S 20(2)(d) subs by s 6(b) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(e) a person who is accredited to conduct business in hunting; or

(f) any person who is accredited to use firearms for such other business purpose as the Registrar

may determine.

(3) A licence issued in terms of this section must specify the business purpose in respect of which it is

issued.

(4) A firearm in respect of which a licence was issued in terms of this section may only be used as

specified in the licence.

(5)

(a) The holder of a licence issued in terms of this section may only provide the firearm for use by

another person subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.

(b) A security service provider which holds a licence to possess a firearm for business use may

only provide the firearm to a security officer in its service who holds a competency certificate.

[S 20(5)(b) subs by s 6(c) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(6) Every holder of a licence issued in terms of this section must—

(a) keep a register of all firearms in its possession containing such information as may be

prescribed; and

(b) store and transport the firearms as may be prescribed.

(7) The holder of a licence issued in terms of this Act must, at the request of a police official, produce for

inspection—

(a) any firearm and ammunition in its possession or under its control; and

(b) every licence issued in terms of this section.


21. Temporary authorisation to possess firearm

(1) The Registrar may issue a temporary authorisation to possess a firearm to any person, including a

non-citizen—

(a) for such period as the Registrar may determine; and

(b) subject to such conditions as may be prescribed and imposed by the Registrar.

(2) The Registrar may at any time withdraw an authorisation if any condition contemplated in subsection

(1)(b) is not complied with.

(3) The Office of the Central Firearms Register must keep a record containing such information as may be

prescribed in respect of all authorisations issued in terms of this section.

(4) The Registrar must submit an annual report to the Minister containing such information as may be

prescribed in respect of all authorisations issued in terms of this section.

(5) A firearm in respect of which an authorisation has been issued in terms of this section may be used

only—

(a) if the Registrar by endorsement on the authorisation permits such use; and

(b) in accordance with such conditions as may be prescribed and imposed by the Registrar.

(6) A firearm in respect of which an authorisation has been issued in terms of this section may be

disposed of only with the written consent of the Registrar and subject to such conditions as he or she

may impose.


22. Holder of licence may allow another person to use firearm

Despite anything to the contrary in this Act but subject to section 120(5), any person who is at least 21

years of age and the holder of a licence to possess a firearm issued in terms of this Act may allow any

other person to use that firearm while under his or her immediate supervision where it is safe to use

the firearm and for a lawful purpose.


23. Identification marks on firearms

(1) No firearm licence may be issued unless the firearm bears the manufacturer’s serial number or any

other mark by which the firearm can be identified.

(2) The identification number must be stamped and the mark affixed in the prescribed manner on the

barrel and the frame, or the barrel and the receiver, of the firearm.


(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), the Registrar may, on good cause shown by the applicant and subject

to such conditions as the Registrar may impose, issue a licence in respect of a firearm which does not

comply with the provisions of those subsections.

(4) The Registrar may direct that any firearm in respect of which an application for a licence has been

made, be marked with such additional identification mark as he or she may determine.

(5) No person may erase, alter or in any other manner tamper with the manufacturer’s serial number or

any other identification mark on a firearm with the intention of changing the identity of the firearm.

(6) A person who is in possession of a firearm of which the manufacturer’s serial number or other

identification mark has been erased, altered or in any other manner tampered with or has become

illegible, must forthwith notify the Registrar of such fact.

(7) The Registrar may direct in writing that such firearm be marked with such identification mark as he or

she may determine.


24. Renewal of firearm licences

(1) The holder of a licence issued in terms of this Chapter who wishes to renew the licence must at least

90 days before the date of expiry of the licence apply to the Registrar for its renewal.

(2) The application must be—

(a) accompanied by such information as may be prescribed; and

(b) delivered to the Designated Firearms Officer responsible for the area in which the applicant

ordinarily resides or in which the applicant’s business is, as the case may be.

(3) No application for the renewal of a licence may be granted unless the applicant shows that he or she

has continued to comply with the requirements for the licence in terms of this Act.

(4) If an application for the renewal of a licence has been lodged within the period provided for in

subsection (1), the licence remains valid until the application is decided.


25. Notification of change of address

(1) The holder of a licence, permit or authorisation issued in terms of this Chapter must in writing notify

the Registrar of any change in his or her physical or postal address within 30 days of such change

occurring.

(2) The Registrar must within 30 days after receiving a notice referred to in subsection (1) acknowledge

receipt of that notice in writing.



(1) The holder of a licence, permit or authorisation issued in terms of this Chapter must notify the

Registrar in writing within 30 days if there is any change with regard to any information which was

submitted in respect of the application for the issue of that licence, permit or authorisation.




27. Period of validity of licence or permit

A licence or permit mentioned in Column 2 of the Table below remains valid for the period mentioned

in Column 3 of that Table.

TABLE

PERIOD OF VALIDITY OF LICENCE OR PERMIT

Section

number

Type of licence or permit Period of

validity

13

Licence to possess firearm for self-defence

Five years

14

Licence to possess restricted firearm for self-defence

Two years

15

Licence to possess firearm for occasional hunting and sports-shooting

10 years

16

Licence to possess firearm for dedicated hunting and dedicated sports-

shooting

10 years

16A

Licence to possess a firearm for professional hunting

10 years

17

Licence to possess firearm in private collection

10 years

18

Permit to possess ammunition in private collection

10 years

19

Licence to possess firearm, and permit to possess ammunition, in public

collection

10 years

20

Licence to possess firearm for business purposes: Business as game

rancher and in hunting

10 years

20

Licence to possess firearm for business purposes: Business other than as

game rancher and in hunting

Five years

[S 27 subs by s 18 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

28. Termination of firearm licence

(1) A licence issued in terms of this Chapter terminates—

(a) upon the expiry of the relevant period contemplated in section 27, unless renewed in terms of

section 24;

(b) if surrendered by the holder of the licence to the Registrar;

(c) if the holder of the licence becomes or is declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section

102 or 103; or

(d) if it is cancelled in terms of this Act.

(2) The Registrar may, by notice in writing, cancel a licence issued in terms of this Chapter if the holder of

the licence—

(a) no longer qualifies to hold the licence; or

(b) has contravened or failed to comply with any provision of this Act or any condition specified in

the licence.

(3) A notice contemplated in subsection (2) may only be issued if the Registrar has—

(a) given the holder of the licence 30 days’ notice in writing to submit written representations as to

why the licence should not be cancelled; and

(b) duly considered any representations received and all the facts pertaining to the matter.

(4)

(a) If a notice contemplated in subsection (2) is issued, the former holder of the licence must

dispose of the firearm in question through a dealer or in such manner as the Registrar may

determine.

(b) The disposal must take place within 60 days after receipt of the notice.

(5) If the firearm is not disposed of within 60 days, it must be forfeited to the State and the former holder

of the licence must surrender it immediately at such place and in such manner as the Registrar may

determine.



29. Defaced, lost or stolen licences, permits and authorisations

(1) If a licence, permit or authorisation issued in terms of this Chapter is lost or stolen, the holder of the

licence, permit or authorisation must inform the Registrar of such loss or theft within 24 hours of the

discovery of the loss or theft.

(2) If a licence, permit or authorisation issued in terms of this Chapter is defaced, lost or stolen, the holder

of the licence, permit or authorisation must within seven days of the discovery of the defacement, loss

or theft apply to the Registrar in the prescribed form for a copy of the licence, permit or authorisation.


30. Central firearms database

The Registrar must establish and maintain such central firearms database as may be prescribed.


CHAPTER 7

LICENCES ISSUED TO PARTICULAR CATEGORIES OF PERSONS - DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS

AND GUNSMITHS

PART 1

DEALERS

31. Prohibition of unlicensed trading in firearms or ammunition

(1) No person may trade in any firearm, muzzle loading firearm or ammunition without a dealer’s licence.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), a person who is not a dealer may dispose of a firearm, muzzle loading

firearm or ammunition only through a dealer or as otherwise provided for in this Act.

(3) A person who wishes to sell or donate a firearm, or a muzzle loading firearm, or ammunition in a

collection, to a willing buyer or donee, as the case may be, may do so without the intervention of a

dealer, subject to the provisions relating to possession thereof in the Act, and such conditions as may

be prescribed.


32. Requirements for dealer’s licence

(1) A dealer’s licence may be issued to a person who is a fit and proper person to trade in firearms or

ammunition.

(2) Any natural person who engages in trading on behalf of a dealer must hold a competency certificate to

trade in firearms and ammunition.


33. Conditions imposed on dealer

The Minister may prescribe—

(a) conditions in respect of the issue of a dealer’s licence which the Registrar may impose on a

dealer; and

(b) specifications in respect of the business premises of a dealer.


34. Dealer’s licence

The dealer’s licence must—

(a) specify the premises in respect of which the licence is issued;

(b) specify the conditions contemplated in section 33; and

(c) contain such other information as may be prescribed.


35. Renewal of dealer’s licence

(1) The holder of a dealer’s licence who wishes to renew the licence must at least 90 days before the date

of expiry of the licence apply in the prescribed form to the Registrar for its renewal.



(b) delivered to the Designated Firearms Officer responsible for the area in which the applicant’s

business premises are situated.

(3) No application for the renewal of a dealer’s licence may be granted unless the applicant satisfies the

Registrar that he or she still complies with the requirements for the licence in terms of this Act.

(4) If an application for the renewal of a dealer’s licence has been lodged within the period provided for in

subsection (1), the licence remains valid until the application is decided.


36. Temporary authorisation to trade in firearms and ammunition on premises other than those

specified in dealer’s licence

(1) The Registrar may issue a temporary authorisation to a dealer to trade in firearms and ammunition at

premises other than those specified in the dealer’s licence.

(2) The Minister may prescribe conditions which the Registrar may impose on a licensed dealer in respect

of a temporary authorisation issued in terms of this section.

(3) A temporary authorisation to trade in firearms and ammunition must specify the—

(a) premises in respect of which it is issued;

(b) period for which it is issued; and

(c) conditions subject to which it is issued.

(4) The Registrar may at any time, by written notice, withdraw an authorisation issued in terms of this

section.

(5) The Office of the Central Firearms Register must keep a record of prescribed information in respect of

all authorisations issued in terms of this section.

(6) A dealer to whom a temporary authorisation has been issued must comply with the requirements of

subsection (3).



(1) A dealer may apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for removal of the business from the

premises specified in the licence to different premises.

(2) On receipt of the application referred to in subsection (1), the Registrar may endorse the licence or

issue a new licence permitting the dealer to conduct the business from the new premises on such

conditions as the Registrar may impose.



(1) The holder of a dealer’s licence must notify the Registrar in writing within 30 days if there is any

change with regard to any information which was submitted in respect of the application for the issue

of that licence.




39. Duties of dealer

(1) A dealer may trade in firearms or ammunition only on premises specified in the dealer’s licence.

(2) A dealer may not permit any person to trade in firearms or ammunition on hi

s or her behalf unless that person is in possession of the appropriate competency certificate.

(3) A dealer must keep such registers as may be prescribed and containing such information as may be

prescribed at the premises specified in the dealer’s licence.

(4) A dealer must keep his or her dealer’s licence on the premises specified in the licence.

(5) A dealer must, at the request of any police official, produce for inspection—

(a) any firearms or ammunition that the dealer may have in stock;

(b) his or her dealer’s licence; and

(c) any register or electronic data kept by the dealer in terms of Part 1 of this Chapter.

(6) A dealer must establish and maintain a workstation which links the registers referred to in subsection

(3) to the central dealers database in the prescribed manner.

(7) The Registrar may, on good cause shown on application by a dealer, exempt the dealer from the

duties referred to in subsection (6).

(8) Any dealer exempted as contemplated in subsection (7) must submit weekly returns, completed in the

prescribed form, to the Office of the Central Firearms Register.

(9) A dealer must comply with any condition imposed under section 33 and specification prescribed under

that section.


40. Establishment of centralised dealers’ database

The Registrar must establish and maintain such central dealers’ database as may be prescribed.


41. Suspension of dealer’s licence

(1) The Registrar may suspend a dealer’s licence if the Registrar has information in a sworn statement or

on solemn declaration that the dealer has committed an offence in terms of this Act for which a

sentence of imprisonment for a period of five years or more may be imposed.

(2) A licence may be suspended for not more than seven days without affording the holder of the licence

a hearing.

(3) A suspension may endure for a period longer than seven days if the—

(a) holder has been afforded an opportunity to make written representations to the Registrar;

(b) Registrar has given due consideration to the representations;

(c) Registrar deems it necessary in order to achieve the objects of this Act; and

(d) suspension has been confirmed by a court.

(4) A dealer may not trade for the period during which the licence is suspended.


42. Termination of dealer’s licence

(1) A dealer’s licence terminates—

(a) upon the expiry of one year from the date on which it was issued;

(b) if surrendered by the dealer to the Registrar;

(c) if the holder of the licence becomes or is declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section

102 or 103; or

(d) if cancelled in terms of this Act.

(2) The Registrar may, by written notice, cancel a dealer’s licence if the holder of the licence—



the licence.


(a) given the holder 30 days notice in writing to submit written representations as to why the licence

should not be cancelled; and


(4)


dispose of any firearms and ammunition in his or her possession through a dealer or in such



(5) If the firearms and ammunition are not disposed of within 60 days they must be forfeited to the State

and the former holder of the licence must surrender them immediately at such place and in such





A licence issued in terms of Part 1 of this Chapter does not exempt the holder of the licence from

having to comply with the provisions of any other law.



(1) If a dealer’s licence is lost or stolen, the holder of the licence must inform the Registrar within 24 hours

of the discovery of the loss or theft.

(2) If a dealer’s licence is defaced, lost or stolen, the holder of the licence must within seven days of the

discovery of the defacement, loss or theft apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for a copy of

the licence.


PART 2

MANUFACTURERS

45. Prohibition of unlicensed manufacture of firearms and ammunition

(1) No person may manufacture any firearm or ammunition without a manufacturer’s licence.

(2) A manufacturer may only sell firearms and ammunition to a dealer or to the State, and may export

firearms and ammunition subject to section 73(1).


46. Requirements for manufacturer’s licence

(1) A manufacturer’s licence may be issued to a person who is a fit and proper person to manufacture

firearms or ammunition.

(2) The Registrar may only issue a manufacturer’s licence to—

(a) a manufacturer of firearms if the firearms are manufactured in a factory registered in terms of

the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993); or

(b) a manufacturer of ammunition if the ammunition is manufactured in a factory licensed in terms

of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act 26 of 1956).


47. Conditions imposed on manufacturer


(a) conditions in respect of the issue of a manufacturer’s licence which the Registrar may impose

on a manufacturer; and

(b) specifications in respect of the business premises of a manufacturer.


48. Manufacturer’s licence

A manufacturer’s licence must—


(b) specify the conditions contemplated in section 47 which are to apply; and



49. Renewal of manufacturer’s licence

(1) The holder of a manufacturer’s licence who wishes to renew the licence must apply to the Registrar for

its renewal in the prescribed form at least 90 days before the date of expiry of the licence.





(3) No application for renewal of a manufacturer’s licence may be granted unless the applicant satisfies

the Registrar that he or she has continued to comply with the requirements for the licence in terms of

this Act.

(4) If an application for the renewal of a manufacturer’s licence has been lodged within the period

provided for in subsection (1), the licence remains valid until the application is decided.


50. Temporary authorisation to display firearms and ammunition on premises other than those

specified in manufacturer’s licence

(1) The Registrar may issue a temporary authorisation to a manufacturer to display firearms and

ammunition at premises other than those specified in the manufacturer’s licence.

(2) The Minister may prescribe conditions which the Registrar may impose on a manufacturer in respect

of a temporary authorisation issued in terms of this section.

(3) A temporary authorisation to display firearms and ammunition must specify—

(a) the premises in respect of which it is issued;

(b) the period for which it is issued; and

(c) any conditions subject to which it is issued.


section.



(6) A manufacturer to whom a temporary authorisation has been issued must comply with the

requirements of subsection (3).



(1) A manufacturer may apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for removal of the business from

the premises specified in the licence to different premises.

(2) On receipt of the application referred to in subsection (1), the Registrar may endorse the

manufacturer’s licence or issue a new licence permitting the manufacturer to conduct business from

the new premises on such conditions as the Registrar may impose.

(3) Section 46(2) applies with the necessary changes to an application in terms of this section.



(1) The holder of a manufacturer’s licence must notify the Registrar in writing within 30 days if there is any


of that licence.




53. Duties of manufacturer

(1) A manufacturer may manufacture firearms or ammunition only on premises specified in the licence.

(2) A manufacturer must apply or affix such serial number or any other mark to any firearm manufactured

by the manufacturer as may be prescribed.

(3) A manufacturer must keep registers containing such information as may be prescribed at the premises

specified in the manufacturer’s licence.

(4) A manufacturer must keep his or her manufacturer’s licence on the premises specified in the licence.

(5) A manufacturer must, at the request of any police official, produce for inspection—

(a) any firearms or ammunition that the manufacturer may have in stock;

(b) his or her manufacturer’s licence; and

(c) any register or electronic data kept by the manufacturer in terms of Part 2 of this Chapter.

(6) A manufacturer must in the prescribed manner establish and maintain a workstation which links the

registers referred to in subsection (3) to the central manufacturers’ database.

(7) A manufacturer must comply with the conditions specified in the manufacturer’s licence.


54. Establishment of centralised manufacturers’ database

The Registrar must establish and maintain such central manufacturers’ database as may be

prescribed.


55. Suspension of manufacturer’s licence

(1) The Registrar may suspend a manufacturer’s licence if the Registrar has information in a sworn

statement or on solemn declaration that the manufacturer has committed an offence in terms of this

Act for which a sentence of imprisonment for a period of five years or more may be imposed.


a hearing.






(4) A manufacturer may not conduct business as a manufacturer for the period during which the licence is

suspended.


56. Termination of manufacturer’s licence

(1) A manufacturer’s licence terminates—


(b) if surrendered by the manufacturer to the Registrar;

(c) if the manufacturer becomes or is declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 102 or

103; or


(2) The Registrar may, by written notice, cancel a manufacturer’s licence if the holder of the licence—



the licence.


(a) given the holder 30 days’ notice in writing to submit written representations as to why the

licence should not be cancelled; and


(4)


dispose of any firearms and ammunition in his or her possession through a dealer or in such



(5) If the firearms and ammunition are not disposed of within 60 days they must be forfeited to the State

and the former holder of the licence must surrender them immediately at such place and in such





A licence issued in terms of Part 2 of this Chapter does not exempt the holder of the licence from

having to comply with the provisions of any other law.



(1) If a manufacturer’s licence is lost or stolen, the holder of the licence must inform the Registrar within

24 hours of the discovery of the loss or theft.

(2) If a manufacturer’s licence is defaced, lost or stolen, the holder of the licence must within seven days

of the discovery of the defacement, loss or theft apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for a

copy of the licence.


PART 3

GUNSMITHS

59. Prohibition of certain work

No person may, without being the holder of a gunsmith’s licence or being registered as an apprentice

to such holder—

[Words preceding s 59(a) subs by s 8 of Act 43 of 2003.]

(a) alter the mechanism of a firearm so as to enable the discharging of more than one shot with a

single depression of the trigger;

(b) alter the calibre of a firearm;

(c) alter the barrel length of a firearm;

(d) alter or remove the serial number or any other identifying mark of a firearm; or

(e) perform such other work as may be prescribed.


60. Requirement for gunsmith’s licence

A gunsmith’s licence may be issued to a person who is a fit and proper person to perform the work

contemplated in section 59.


61. Conditions imposed on gunsmith


(a) conditions in respect of the issue of a gunsmith’s licence which the Registrar may impose on a

licensed gunsmith; and

(b) specifications in respect of the business premises of a gunsmith.


62. Gunsmith’s licence

A gunsmith’s licence must—


(b) specify any of the conditions contemplated in section 61 which are to apply; and



63. Renewal of gunsmith’s licence

(1) The holder of a gunsmith’s licence who wishes to renew the licence must apply to the Registrar for its

renewal at least 90 days before the date of expiry of the licence.





(3) No application for renewal of a gunsmith’s licence may be granted unless the applicant satisfies the

Registrar that he or she has continued to comply with the requirements for the licence in terms of this

Act.

(4) If an application for the renewal of a gunsmith’s licence has been lodged within the period provided for

in subsection (1), the licence remains valid until the application is decided.


64. Temporary authorisation to conduct business as gunsmith on premises other than those

specified in gunsmith’s licence

(1) The Registrar may issue a temporary authorisation to a gunsmith to conduct business as a gunsmith

at premises other than those specified in the gunsmith’s licence.

(2) The Minister may prescribe conditions which the Registrar may impose on a gunsmith in respect of a

temporary authorisation issued in terms of this section.

(3) A temporary authorisation to conduct business as a gunsmith must specify the—

(a) premises in respect of which it is issued;

(b) period for which it is issued; and

(c) conditions subject to which it is issued.


section.



(6) A gunsmith to whom a temporary authorisation has been issued must comply with the requirements of

subsection (3).



(1) A gunsmith may apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for removal of the business from the

premises specified in the licence to different premises.

(2) On receipt of the application referred to in subsection (1), the Registrar may endorse the gunsmith’s

licence or issue a new licence permitting the gunsmith to conduct the business from the new premises

on such conditions as the Registrar may impose.



(1) The holder of a gunsmith’s licence must notify the Registrar in writing within 30 days if there is any


of that licence.




67. Duties of gunsmith

(1) A gunsmith may conduct business as a gunsmith only on premises specified in the gunsmith’s licence.

(2) A gunsmith must keep registers containing such information as may be prescribed at the premises

specified in the gunsmith’s licence.

(3) A gunsmith must keep his or her gunsmith’s licence on the premises specified in the licence.

(4) A gunsmith must, at the request of any police official, produce for inspection—

(a) any firearms or ammunition that the gunsmith may have in his or her possession;

(b) his or her gunsmith’s licence; and

(c) any register or electronic data kept by the gunsmith in terms of Part 3 of this Chapter.

(5) A gunsmith must in the prescribed manner establish and maintain a workstation which links the

registers referred to in subsection (2) to the central gunsmiths’ database.

(6) The Registrar may, on good cause shown on application by a gunsmith, exempt the gunsmith from the

duties referred to in subsection (5).

(7) Any gunsmith exempted as contemplated in subsection (6), must submit weekly returns, completed in

the prescribed form, to the Office of the Central Firearms Register.

(8) A gunsmith must comply with any condition imposed under section 61 and specifications prescribed

under that section.


68. Establishment of centralised gunsmiths’ database

The Registrar must establish and maintain such central gunsmiths’ database as may be prescribed.


69. Suspension of gunsmith’s licence

(1) The Registrar may suspend a gunsmith’s licence if the Registrar has information in a sworn statement

or on solemn declaration that the gunsmith has committed an offence in terms of this Act for which a

sentence of imprisonment for a period of five years or more may be imposed.


a hearing.






(4) A gunsmith may not conduct business as a gunsmith for such period as the licence is suspended.


70. Termination of gunsmith’s licence

(1) A gunsmith’s licence terminates—


(b) if surrendered by the gunsmith to the Registrar;

(c) if the gunsmith becomes or is declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 102 or 103;

or


(2) The Registrar may, by written notice, cancel a gunsmith’s licence if the holder of the licence—



the licence.


(a) given the holder 30 days’ notice in writing to submit written representations as to why the

licence should not be cancelled; and


(4) If a notice contemplated in subsection (2) is issued, the former holder of the licence must dispose of

any firearms and ammunition in his or her possession in such manner as the Registrar may determine.



A licence issued in terms of Part 3 of this Chapter does not exempt the holder of the licence from the

obligation to comply with any other law.



(1) If a gunsmith’s licence is lost or stolen, the holder of the licence must inform the Registrar within 24

hours of the discovery of the loss or theft.

(2) If a gunsmith’s licence is defaced, lost or stolen, the holder of the licence must within seven days of

the discovery of the defacement, loss or theft apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for a

copy of the licence.


CHAPTER 8

IMPORT, EXPORT AND CARRIAGE IN-TRANSIT OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

73. Prohibition of import, export or carriage in-transit of firearms and ammunition without permit

(1) No person may import into or export from South Africa any firearms or ammunition without an import

or export permit issued in terms of this Act.

(2) No person may carry in transit through South Africa any firearms or ammunition without an in-transit

permit issued in terms of this Act.


74. Requirements for import, export or in-transit permit

(1) An import, export or in-transit permit may be issued to a person who is a fit and proper person to hold

such permit.

(2) Unless the Registrar directs otherwise in writing, no import, export or in-transit permit may be issued in

respect of any firearm or ammunition which does not bear the prescribed identification marks.


75. Conditions imposed on holder of permit

The Minister may prescribe conditions which the Registrar may impose on the holder of a permit

issued in terms of this Chapter.


76. Import, export or in-transit permit

An import, export or in-transit permit must—

(a) specify the conditions contemplated in section 75; and

(b) contain such other information as may be prescribed.


77. Permit constitutes licence to possess firearm or ammunition

(1) A permit for the import of a firearm or ammunition also constitutes a licence to possess such firearm or

ammunition for such person and period as the Registrar may specify on the permit.

(2) The Registrar may impose such conditions in respect of the possession and use of the relevant

firearm or ammunition as may be prescribed, and must, on the permit in question, specify any

conditions imposed.



(1) The holder of a permit issued in terms of this Chapter, must at the request of any police official,

produce for inspection—

(a) any firearms or ammunition in his or her possession or under his or her control;

(b) his or her permit; and

(c) any register or electronic data that may be kept by him or her in terms of this Act.

(2) The Registrar may direct the holder of a permit issued in terms of this Chapter to keep and maintain

registers containing such information as he or she may direct.

(3) The Registrar may direct the holder of a permit issued in terms of this Chapter to establish and

maintain a workstation which complies with such requirements as he or she may direct and which links

the registers referred to in subsection (2) to the central importers’ and exporters’ database.

(4) The holder of a permit issued in terms of this Chapter must comply with the conditions specified in the

permit.


79. Establishment of central importers’ and exporters’ database

The Registrar must establish and maintain such central importers’ and exporters’ databases as may

be prescribed.


80. Suspension of import, export and in-transit permits

(1) The Registrar may suspend an import, export or in-transit permit if the Registrar has information in a

sworn statement or on solemn declaration that the holder of the permit has committed an offence in

terms of this Act for which a sentence of imprisonment for a period of five years or more may be

imposed.


(2) A permit may be suspended for not more than seven days without affording the holder of the permit a

hearing.






(4) A holder of a permit may not import or export firearms or ammunition or carry firearms or ammunition

in transit for such period as the permit is suspended.


81. Termination of import, export and in-transit permits

(1) An import, export or in-transit permit terminates—

(a) on the date specified in the permit;

(b) if surrendered by the holder of the permit to the Registrar;

(c) if the holder of a permit becomes or is declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section

102 or 103; or


(2) The Registrar may, by written notice, cancel an import, export or in-transit permit if the permit holder—

(a) no longer qualifies to hold the permit; or


the permit.


(a) given the holder 30 days’ notice in writing to submit written representations as to why the permit

should not be cancelled; and


(4) If a notice contemplated in subsection (2) is issued, the former holder of a permit must dispose of any

firearms and ammunition in his or her possession in such manner as the Registrar may determine.


82. Defaced, lost or stolen permits

(1) If an import, export or in-transit permit is lost or stolen, the holder of a permit must inform the Registrar

within 24 hours of the discovery of the loss or theft.

(2) If an import, export or in-transit permit is defaced, lost or stolen, the holder of the permit must within

seven days of the discovery of the defacement, loss or theft apply to the Registrar in the prescribed

manner for a copy of the permit.


CHAPTER 9

STORAGE, TRANSPORT AND CARRYING OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

83. Storage and transport of firearms and ammunition

Firearms and ammunition must be stored and transported in the prescribed manner.


84. Carrying of firearm in public place

(1) No person may carry a firearm in a public place unless the firearm is carried—

(a) in the case of a handgun—

(i) in a holster or similar holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the carrying of a

handgun and attached to his or her person; or

(ii) in a rucksack or similar holder; or

(b) in the case of any other firearm, in a holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the carrying

of the firearm.

(2) A firearm contemplated in subsection (1) must be completely covered and the person carrying the

firearm must be able to exercise effective control over such firearm.


85. Conditions imposed on transporter of firearm

(1) The Minister may prescribe conditions which the Registrar may impose on the holder of a permit

issued in terms of section 86.

(2) The conditions which the Registrar imposes must be specified in the permit.


86. Firearm transporter’s permit

(1) No person may transport any firearm or ammunition for reward without being in possession of a

firearm transporter’s permit issued in terms of this Act.

(2) A firearm transporter’s permit may be issued to a person who is a fit and proper person to conduct

business as a firearm transporter.

(3) The Registrar may issue a firearm transporter’s permit—

(a) on receipt of an application completed on the prescribed form and containing the prescribed

information; and

(b) for such period as the Registrar may determine.



(1) The holder of a permit issued in terms of this Chapter, must at the request of any police official,

produce for inspection—

(a) any firearms or ammunition in his or her possession or under his or her control;

(b) his or her permit; and

(c) any register or electronic data that may be kept by him or her in terms of this Act.

(2) The Registrar may direct the holder of a permit issued in terms of this Chapter to keep and maintain

registers containing such information as he or she may direct.

(3) The holder of a firearm transporter’s permit must comply with any conditions imposed under section

85.


88. Cancellation of firearm transporter’s permit

(1) The Registrar may, by written notice, cancel a firearm transporter’s permit if the permit holder—

(a) no longer qualifies to hold the permit; or


the permit.

(2) The former holder of a permit must dispose of his or her cargo of firearms and ammunition in

accordance with the directions of the Registrar.


89. Records to be kept

The Office of the Central Firearms Register must keep a record of prescribed information in respect of

all firearm transporter’s permits issued in terms of this Chapter.


CHAPTER 10

CONTROL OF AMMUNITION AND FIREARM PARTS

90. Prohibition of possession of ammunition

No person may possess any ammunition unless he or she—

(a) holds a licence in respect of a firearm capable of discharging that ammunition;

(b) holds a permit to possess ammunition;

(c) holds a dealer’s licence, manufacturer’s licence, gunsmith’s licence, import, export or in-transit

permit or transporter’s permit issued in terms of this Act; or

(d) is otherwise authorised to do so.


91. Restrictions on possession of ammunition

(1) The holder of a licence to possess a firearm referred to in Chapter 6 may not possess more than 200

cartridges for each firearm in respect of which he or she holds a licence.

(2) The limitation in subsection (1) does not apply to—

(a) a dedicated hunter, dedicated sports person or a professional hunter who holds a licence issued

in terms of this Act or any other holder of a licence issued in terms of this Act authorised by the

Registrar to possess more than 200 cartridges for a firearm in respect of which he or she holds

a licence on good cause shown; or

[S 91(2)(a) subs by s 26 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(b) the holder of a licence to possess a firearm issued in terms of this Act in respect of ammunition

bought and discharged at an accredited shooting range.


92. Prohibitions and restrictions on use of certain ammunition

(1) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, prohibit or restrict the acquisition, disposal, possession or

use of ammunition of a specified class if it is—

(a) in the interest of public safety; or

(b) desirable for the maintenance of law and order.

(2) A notice contemplated in subsection (1) must be tabled in Parliament at least 14 days before



(3) A notice contemplated in subsection (1) is of full force and effect until withdrawn by the Minister or by

a resolution of Parliament.


93. Loading or reloading of ammunition

(1) Section 45(1) does not apply to the loading of ammunition by the holder of a licence to possess a

firearm for use in his or her licensed firearm.

(2)

(a) A holder of a licence contemplated in subsection (1) may not have more than 2 400 primers in

his or her possession for each firearm in respect of which he or she holds a licence.

(b) The limitation in paragraph (a) does not apply to a dedicated hunter, dedicated sports person or

professional hunter who holds a licence issued in terms of this Act or any other holder of a

licence issued in terms of this Act authorised by the Registrar to possess more than 2 400

primers for a firearm in respect of which he or she holds a licence on good cause shown.

[S 93(2)(b) subs by s 27 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(3) No person may load prohibited ammunition contemplated in section 92.


94. Prohibition of possession of firearm parts

(1) For purposes of this section, ‘firearm part’ means a slide, bolt or breech-block of a firearm.

(2) No person may possess any firearm part unless he or she—

(a) holds a licence in respect of a firearm capable of bearing that firearm part;

(b) holds a dealer’s licence, manufacturer’s licence, gunsmith’s licence, import, export or in-transit

permit or transporter’s permit issued in terms of this Act; or

(c) is otherwise authorised to do so.

(3) The holder of a dealer’s licence, manufacturer’s licence, gunsmith’s licence, import, export or in-transit

permit or transporter’s permit issued in terms of this Act must keep such register of all firearm parts in

his or her possession as may be prescribed.

(4)

(a) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, prohibit or restrict the acquisition, disposal,

possession or use of firearm parts if it is—

(i) in the interest of public safety; or

(ii) desirable for the maintenance of law and order.

(b) A notice contemplated in paragraph (a) must be tabled in Parliament at least 14 days before

publication thereof if Parliament is then sitting, and if Parliament is not sitting, within seven days

after the commencement of the next sitting.

(c) A notice contemplated in paragraph (a) will be of full force and effect until withdrawn by the

Minister or by a resolution of Parliament.


CHAPTER 11

EXEMPTIONS

95. Definitions

In this Chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise—

(a) “Official Institution” means—

(i) the South African National Defence Force, contemplated in section 5 of the Defence Act,

1957 (Act 44 of 1957);

(ii) the South African Police Service, contemplated in section 5 of the South African Police

Service Act, 1995 (Act 68 of 1995);

(iii) the Department of Correctional Services, contemplated in section 2 of the Correctional

Services Act, 1959 (Act 8 of 1959);

(iv) any intelligence service established in terms of the Constitution;

(v) the armaments acquisition agency of the State; and

(vi) any government institution accredited by the Registrar as an Official Institution;

[Commencement of s 95(a)(vi): 1 July 2003.]

(b) “employee”—

(i) in relation to the South African National Defence Force, means any member of the South

African National Defence Force contemplated in section 5 of the Defence Act, 1957 (Act

44 of 1957), and includes any member of the Reserve contemplated in section 6 of the

Defence Act, 1957; and

(ii) in relation to the South African Police Service, means any member as defined in the

South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act 68 of 1995).

[Commencement of s 95: 1 July 2004 except s 95(a)(vi).]

96. Exemptions

(1) No provision of this Act other than this Chapter, section 109 and section 145, in so far as it relates to

Official Institutions, applies to an Official Institution.

(2) Any firearms and ammunition which form the subject of a notice contemplated in section 4C of the

Armaments Development and Production Act, 1968 (Act 57 of 1968), are exempted from the

provisions of this Act.

(3) A member of a military force of another country visiting South Africa in terms of an international

obligation or an agreement between that country and South Africa is exempted from the provisions of

this Act to the extent provided for in the obligation or agreement in question.


97. Conditions applicable to institution accredited by Registrar

An Official Institution contemplated in section 95(a)(vi) is subject to such conditions in respect of the

acquisition, use, safekeeping and disposal of firearms as may be prescribed, and to such conditions

as may be imposed by the Registrar.


98. Possession and use of firearms by Official Institution

(1)

(a) Subject to this section, an employee of an Official Institution may not possess a firearm under

the control of the Official Institution without a permit issued in terms of this Chapter.

(b) Employees of the South African National Defence Force are exempted from the obligation to

have a permit in respect of military firearms issued to them—

(i) while performing official duties under military command; and

(ii) if they have in their possession a written order, instruction or route form specifying the

duty to be performed and the nature and type of firearm they are authorised to carry.

(c) Employees of the South African National Defence Force are exempted from the obligation to

have a permit in respect of military firearms in their possession or under their control for the

purpose of performing official duties, if those firearms are mounted in or on a military weapons

system.

(2) Only the head of an Official Institution, or someone delegated in writing by him or her, may issue a

permit to an employee of that Official Institution to possess and use a firearm under its control.

(3) A permit issued in terms of this Chapter must contain such information as may be prescribed.

(4) The head of an Official Institution may impose conditions on the possession and use of the firearms

and ammunition under the control of that Official Institution and may issue instructions to employees of

that Official Institution prescribing conditions relating to the acquisition, storage, transport, carrying,

possession, use and disposal of such firearms and ammunition.


(5) Unless the permit referred to in subsection (2) indicates otherwise, the employee must—

(a) when on duty, carry any handgun under his or her control on his or her person in a prescribed

holster;

(b) at the end of each period of his or her duty, return the firearm in question to the place of storage

designated for this purpose by the Official Institution; and

(c) when traveling with a firearm, carry the firearm on his or her person or in a secure place under

his or her direct control.

(6)

(a) Despite subsection (5), the head of an Official Institution may authorise an employee to—

(i) have the firearm in his or her possession after his or her working hours;

(ii) carry the firearm on his or her person outside the premises of his or her workplace; or

(iii) store the firearm at his or her place of residence.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to an Official Institution contemplated in section 95(a)(v) and (vi),

unless the Registrar determines in writing that it does so apply.

(7) The holder of a permit contemplated in subsection (2) must carry that permit on his or her person

when he or she is in possession of a firearm.

(8) The head of an Official Institution may only issue a permit in terms of subsection (2) if the employee—

(a) is a fit and proper person to possess a firearm; and

(b) has successfully completed the prescribed training and the prescribed test for the safe use of a

firearm.

(9)

(a) The head of an Official Institution must report the loss or theft of any firearm immediately to the

Registrar and to the nearest police station.

(b) For the purposes of this subsection “nearest police station” means the police station nearest to

the place where the loss or theft occurred.

(10) An Official Institution may only dispose of or destroy a firearm under its control in the prescribed

manner.


99. Register to be kept by Official Institution

(1) The head of an Official Institution must keep a register in the prescribed form.

(2) The register must contain such particulars as may be prescribed, including—

(a)

(i) in the case of the South African National Defence Force, the particulars of every firearm

of a calibre of less than 20 millimetres; or

(ii) in the case of all other Official Institutions, the particulars of every firearm under its

control;

(b) the particulars of every employee who, in terms of this Chapter, is allowed to be in possession

of a firearm, and the particulars of each such firearm;

(c) the conditions specified in every permit issued in terms of this Chapter;

(d) particulars regarding the disposal, transfer, loss, theft or destruction of firearms contemplated in

paragraph (a); and

(e) if a firearm is lost or stolen, particulars regarding the report of the loss or theft to the South

African Police Service.

(3) All firearms under the control of an Official Institution must bear such identification marks as may be

prescribed.


100. Establishment of central Official Institution firearms databases

The Registrar must establish and maintain such central Official Institution firearms databases as may

be prescribed.


101. Official Institution’s workstation

The head of an Official Institution must—

(a) establish and maintain a workstation at a place which complies with such requirements as may

be prescribed; and

(b) provide the Registrar with access to the workstation and to the register referred to in section 99.


CHAPTER 12

DECLARATION OF PERSONS AS UNFIT TO POSSESS FIREARM

102. Declaration by Registrar of person as unfit to possess firearm

(1) The Registrar may declare a person unfit to possess a firearm if, on the grounds of information

contained in a statement under oath or affirmation including a statement made by any person called

as a witness, it appears that—

(a) a final protection order has been issued against such person in terms of the Domestic Violence

Act, 1998 (Act 116 of 1998);

(aA) a final protection order has been issued against such person in terms of the Protection from

Harassment Act, 2011;

[S 102(1)(aA) ins by s 21 of Act 17 of 2011.]

(b) that person has expressed the intention to kill or injure himself or herself or any other person by

means of a firearm or any other dangerous weapon;

(c) because of that person’s mental condition, inclination to violence or dependence on any

substance which has an intoxicating or narcotic effect, the possession of a firearm by that

person is not in the interests of that person or of any other person;

(d) that person has failed to take the prescribed steps for the safekeeping of any firearm; or

(e) that person has provided information required in terms of this Act which is false or misleading.

(2) A declaration under subsection (1) may only be issued if the Registrar—

(a) by notice in writing delivered by hand to the person, has called upon the person to appear

before the Registrar at a time and place determined therein in order to advance reasons as to

why that person should not be declared unfit to possess a firearm;

(b) has given that person a reasonable opportunity to advance reasons as to why the declaration

should not be issued;

(c) has duly considered the matter;

(d) is satisfied that the person is unfit as contemplated in subsection (1); and

(e) does not rely solely on the same facts relating to a conviction in respect of which a court has

made a determination in terms of section 103(1) or (2) that the person is not unfit to possess a

firearm.

(3) Any person appearing in pursuance of a notice issued in terms of subsection (2)(a) is entitled to—

(a) be represented by a legal representative;

(b) request the Registrar to call, in the manner referred to in subsection (2)(a), any person who

made a statement referred to in subsection (1), to appear before the Registrar; and

(c) examine the person who has been called in terms of subsection (1) or paragraph (b) to appear,

or to cause him or her to be so examined by such legal representative.

(4)

(a) Section 183 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977), applies with the necessary

changes to any person called to appear before the Registrar in terms of subsection (2)(a),

including any witness.

(b) For purposes of paragraph (a) the expression “to a fine not exceeding R300 or to imprisonment

for a period not exceeding three months” where it occurs in section 183(2) of the Criminal

Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977), must be construed to read as follows—

“to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months”.

(c) Section 181 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977), applies with the necessary

changes in respect of any witness whose appearance has been requested as contemplated in

subsection (3)(b).


103. Declaration by court of person to be unfit to possess firearm

(1) Unless the court determines otherwise, a person becomes unfit to possess a firearm if convicted of—

(a) the unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition;

(b) any crime or offence involving the unlawful use or handling of a firearm, whether the firearm

was used or handled by that person or by another participant in that offence;

(c) an offence regarding the failure to store firearms or ammunition in accordance with the

requirements of this Act;

(d) an offence involving the negligent handling or loss of a firearm while the firearm was in his or

her possession or under his or her direct control;

(e) an offence involving the handling of a firearm while under the influence of any substance which

has an intoxicating or narcotic effect;

(f) any other crime or offence in the commission of which a firearm was used, whether the firearm

was used or handled by that person or by another participant in the offence;

(g) any offence involving violence, sexual abuse or dishonesty, for which the accused is sentenced

to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine;

(h) any other offence under or in terms of this Act in respect of which the accused is sentenced to a

period of imprisonment without the option of a fine;

(i) any offence involving physical or sexual abuse occurring in a domestic relationship as defined in

section 1 of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act 116 of 1998);

(j) any offence involving the abuse of alcohol or drugs;

(k) any offence involving dealing in drugs;

(l) any offence in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act 116 of 1998) in respect of which

the accused is sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine;

(m) any offence in terms of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act 26 of 1956), in respect of which the

accused is sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine;

(n) any offence involving sabotage, terrorism, public violence, arson, intimidation, rape, kidnapping,

or child stealing; or

(o) any conspiracy, incitement or attempt to commit an offence referred to above.

(2)

(a) A court which convicts a person of a crime or offence referred to in Schedule 2 and which is not

a crime or offence contemplated in subsection (1), must enquire and determine whether that

person is unfit to possess a firearm.

(b) If a court, acting in terms of paragraph (a), determines that a person is unfit to possess a

firearm, it must make a declaration to that effect.

(3) A court which has convicted a person of a crime or an offence contemplated in subsection (1), has

made a determination contemplated in that subsection or has made a declaration in terms of

subsection (2) must notify the Registrar in writing of that conviction, determination or declaration.

(4) Unless a determination that a person is not unfit to possess a firearm has been made in terms of

subsection (1), a notice contemplated in subsection (3) must be accompanied by a court order for the

immediate search for and seizure of—

(a) all competency certificates, licences, authorisations and permits issued to the relevant person in

terms of this Act;

(b) all firearms in his or her possession; and

(c) all ammunition in his or her possession.

(5) A firearm and any other item seized in terms of subsection (4) must be kept by the South African

Police Service or, if appropriate, by the Military Police, until an appeal against the conviction or

sentence has been finalised or the time for an appeal has elapsed.


104. Effect of declaration of unfitness

[Section heading subs by s 11 of Act 43 of 2003.]

(1)

(a) All competency certificates, licences, authorisations and permits issued in terms of this Act to

any person who becomes or is declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 102 or

103, cease to be valid from the date of the conviction, or the declaration, as the case may be.

(b) Despite the noting of an appeal against the decision of a court or of the Registrar, the status of

unfitness contemplated in paragraph (a) remains in effect pending the finalisation of the appeal.

(2) A person who becomes or is declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 102 or 103 must

within 24 hours surrender to the nearest police station—

(a) all competency certificates, licences, authorisations and permits issued to him or her in terms of

this Act;

(b) all firearms in his or her possession; and

(c) all ammunition in his or her possession.

(3)

(a) A person who has surrendered his or her firearm as contemplated in subsection (2) must

dispose of the firearm and ammunition through a dealer or in such manner as the Registrar may

determine—

(i) if an appeal is lodged and that appeal is unsuccessful, within 60 days of the finalisation of

the appeal; or

(ii) if no appeal is lodged, within 60 days of the receipt of a written notice from the Registrar

informing the person of his or her unfitness to possess a firearm.

(b) If the firearm and ammunition are not disposed of within 60 days, they must be forfeited to the

State and destroyed or disposed of as prescribed.

(c) The period of 60 days referred to in this subsection may be extended by the Registrar on good

cause shown.

(d) For purposes of subsection (3)(a), the Registrar must release the firearm and ammunition in

question to a dealer identified by the relevant person, for disposal by that dealer on behalf of the

person.

(4)

(a) The holder of an additional licence referred to in section 12(1) may, if the holder of the licence

becomes or is declared unfit to possess a firearm, apply to the Registrar for the issue of a new

licence in his or her name.

(b) If the holder of an additional licence does not make an application referred to in paragraph (a)

within 30 days of the—

(i) date on which the time for an appeal elapses; or

(ii) finalisation of the appeal if it does not affect the status of unfitness,

the additional firearm licence lapses.

(5) If the decision leading to the status of unfitness to possess a firearm of any person is set aside, any

seized or surrendered firearm, ammunition, licence, permit or authorisation belonging to any such

person, must be returned.

(6) Subject to section 9(3)(b) and after a period of five years calculated from the date of the decision

leading to the status of unfitness to possess a firearm, the person who has become or been declared

unfit to possess a firearm may apply for a new competency certificate, licence, authorisation or permit

in accordance with the provisions of this Act.


105. Proof of declaration of unfitness

[Section heading subs by s 12 of Act 43 of 2003.]

A certificate purporting to have been signed by the Registrar or by the registrar of a High Court, the

clerk of a magistrates’ court or the clerk of a military court, stating that the person mentioned in the

certificate has become or been declared unfit to possess a firearm, or has been convicted of a specific

offence or crime, is upon production thereof by any person, prima facie evidence of the facts stated in

that certificate.


CHAPTER 13

INSPECTIONS

106. Production of licences and firearms for inspection

(1) Subject to section 107, any holder of a licence, permit or authorisation issued in terms of this Act

must—

(a) produce the licence, permit or authorisation for inspection within seven days of being required to

do so by any police official or by any person authorised by the Registrar;

(b) maintain the licence, permit or authorisation in such a state that it can be produced in an

undefaced and legible condition; and

(c) produce the firearm in respect of which the licence, permit or authorisation is issued within

seven days of being required to do so by any police official or by any person authorised by the

Registrar.

(2) A police official or an authorised person, when exercising a power in terms of subsection (1) must—

(a) identify himself or herself to the person referred to in subsection (1); and

(b) produce his or her appointment certificate or authorisation.


107. Duty to comply with request of police official or authorised person

(1) Any person who carries with him or her a firearm must at the request of a police official or any person

authorised by the Registrar produce the licence, permit or authorisation, as the case may be, in

respect of such firearm for inspection.

(2) A person referred to in subsection (1) must—

(a) at the request and to the satisfaction of a police official or any person authorised by the

Registrar, identify himself or herself forthwith; and

(b) at the request of a police official or any person authorised by the Registrar, produce such

firearm for inspection.

(3) If a person fails to comply with subsection (1) or (2), the police official or authorised person may seize

the firearm without a warrant and keep the firearm in custody until the licence, permit or authorisation

is produced or the firearm is disposed of in terms of this Act.

(4) A police official or an authorised person, when exercising a power in terms of subsection (1) or (2)

must—




108. Request for information

(1) A police official or any person authorised by the Registrar who has reasonable grounds to believe that

a person has or recently had a firearm or ammunition in his or her possession, may request that

person to—

(a) state his or her full name, age, residential and employment address;

(b) produce his or her licence, permit or authorisation for the possession of the firearm;

(c) answer questions relating to the whereabouts of the firearm; and

(d) furnish any other information reasonably required by the police official or authorised person.

(2) A police official or an authorised person, when exercising a power in terms of subsection (1) must—




109. Inspection of premises

(1) A police official or any person authorised by the Registrar may enter any—

(a) place of business of a dealer;

(b) firearm or ammunition factory or place of business of a manufacturer of firearms and

ammunition;

(c) place of business of a gunsmith;

(d) place of business of the holder of an import or export permit;

(e) place of business, including any vehicle, vessel or aircraft, of an authorised transporter of

firearms and ammunition;

(f) office or premises of an Official Institution which may issue a permit to its employees to possess

and use firearms; or

(g) place of business, including any vehicle, vessel or aircraft, of the holder of a licence in respect

of firearms used for business purposes referred to in section 20,

and conduct such inspection as may be necessary in order to determine whether the requirements

and conditions of this Act or of any competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation issued in

terms of this Act are being complied with.

(2) The Registrar must comply with such security arrangements as may be agreed upon with the head of

the Official Institution in question.


CHAPTER 14

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

110. Chapter 2 of Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, to apply

(1) Chapter 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977), applies with the necessary changes

to the entry of premises, search for and seizure of any firearm, imitation firearm, airgun, device or

ammunition referred to in this Act.

(2) In the application of Chapter 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977), as contemplated

in subsection (1), section 20 of the said Act must be construed as if the following paragraph had been

added to it—

“(d) which is a firearm or ammunition as defined in section 1 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, and

is on reasonable grounds believed to be in the possession or under the control of a person, who

by reason of any physical or mental condition, is incapable of having proper control of any

firearm or ammunition or who by such reason presents a danger of harm to himself or herself or

to any other person.”.

(3) Despite sections 30 and 31 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977), any article referred

to in subsection (1) which is lawfully seized by the State, may be dealt with or disposed of in

accordance with the provisions of this Act.

(4) This Chapter does not derogate from any power conferred by any other law to enter any premises or

search any person, container or premises or to arrest any person or to seize any matter, to declare

any matter forfeited or to dispose of any matter.


111. Search and seizure in course of policing operations in terms of South African Police Service

Act, 1995

(1) Despite anything to the contrary in this Chapter, any police official or person authorised as such by the

National Commissioner or any provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service, may, in

the course of official policing operations contemplated in section 13(6), (7) or (8) of the South African

Police Service Act, 1995 (Act 68 of 1995), search any premises, vehicle, vessel or aircraft and seize

any firearm, imitation firearm, airgun, device or ammunition—

(a) which is reasonably suspected to be held in contravention of this Act; or

(b) for the purposes of determining whether or not the provisions of this Act have been complied

with in respect of such article.

(2) Section 13 of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act 68 of 1995), applies with the necessary

changes to any search or seizure contemplated in subsection (1).


112. Exercise of powers set out in section 37 of Criminal Procedure Act, 1977

Any police official or other person authorised as such in writing by the Registrar may exercise the

powers of a police official set out in section 37 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977), in

respect of—

(a) any occupant of a vehicle, vessel or aircraft or premises in which any article referred to in

section 110(1) is present and in respect of which there is a reasonable suspicion that any of the

provisions of this Act may have been contravened by that occupant; and

(b) the owner or person in control of any vehicle, vessel or aircraft or premises in which any article

referred to in section 110(1) is present and in respect of which there is a reasonable suspicion

that any of the provisions of this Act may have been contravened.


113. Fingerprint, body-prints and bodily samples for investigation purposes

(1) …

[S 113(1) rep by s 8 of Act 37 of 2013.]

(2) …

[S 113(2) rep by s 8 of Act 37 of 2013.]

(3) …

[S 113(3) rep by s 8 of Act 37 of 2013.]

(4) A police official may do such tests, or cause such tests to be done, as may be necessary to determine

whether a person suspected of having handled or discharged a firearm has indeed handled or

discharged a firearm.

(5) …

[S 113 subs by s 8 of Act 6 of 2010; s 113(5) rep by s 8 of Act 37 of 2013.]

114. Ballistic testing

(1) Any police official may seize, test-fire and examine such number of firearms as are necessary or such

ammunition as is necessary, if—

(a) there are reasonable grounds to suspect that one or more of the firearms or the ammunition has

been used in the commission of an offence which is punishable in terms of this Act with

imprisonment for a period of five years or longer; and

(b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that one or more of the firearms or the ammunition or

the results of the test-firing and examination, will be of value in the investigation by excluding or

including—

(i) one or more of those firearms or the ammunition as having been used in the commission

of the offence; or

(ii) one or more persons as possible perpetrators of the offence.

(2) The person who has control over a firearm or ammunition seized in terms of this section must

immediately return it or otherwise dispose of it in terms of this Act when it is clear that it will not be of

value as evidence.


115. Inspection, search and seizure for inquiry or investigation (with special warrant)

(1) For purposes of any inquiry or investigation relating to the application of this Act and subject to

subsection (4), the Registrar or any person authorised in writing by the Registrar may—

(a) at any reasonable time and without prior notice, enter any business or industrial premises; or

(b) at any reasonable time and with reasonable notice, enter any dwelling,

on or in which anything relating to the subject-matter of the inquiry or investigation is or is suspected to

be.

[S 115(1) subs by s 13(a) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(2) The Registrar or person authorised may—

(a) inspect and search any premises or dwelling contemplated in subsection (1) and make such

enquiries as may be necessary for purposes of the inquiry or investigation;

(b) examine anything found on the premises or dwelling which may have a bearing on the subject—

matter of the inquiry or investigation;

(c) request information or an explanation regarding such object from the owner or person in control

of those premises or from any person in whose possession or under whose control anything

referred to in paragraph (b) is found;

(d) make copies of or extracts from any book or document found on or in the premises or dwelling

which may have a bearing on the subject-matter of the inquiry or investigation and request an

explanation of such book, document or any entry therein from any person suspected of having

knowledge thereof; and

(e) against the issue of a written receipt, seize anything on or in the premises or dwelling which

may have a bearing on the subject-matter of the inquiry or investigation.

(3) Any entry upon, inspection of or search of any premises or dwelling, or questioning of any person, in

terms of this section must be carried out with strict regard to decency and order.

(4) Any power contemplated in subsection (1) may be exercised only—

(a) in terms of a warrant issued by a judge or magistrate; or

(b) without warrant by a police official contemplated in paragraph (a) of the definition of “police

official” in section 1 if—

[Words preceding s 115(4)(b)(i) subs by s 13(b) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(i) there are reasonable grounds to believe that a warrant would be issued and the delay in

obtaining the warrant would defeat the object for which the power is exercised; or

(ii) the person who is competent to do so consents to the exercise of the power.

(5)

(a) A warrant may only be issued if it appears from evidence under oath or on affirmation that there

are reasonable grounds to suspect that anything referred to in subsection (2) is or may be on

the premises or in the dwelling in question.

(b) The evidence must contain information regarding the—

(i) nature of the inquiry or investigation to be conducted;

(ii) reason for or suspicion which gave rise to the inquiry or investigation;

(iii) need for search and seizure in terms of this section; and

(iv) premises on which the warrant is to be executed.

(6) Subject to subsection (7), sections 21(3) and 27 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977),

apply, with the necessary changes, to the execution of a warrant or to a search in terms of this

section.

(7) A warrant contemplated in this section remains in force until—

(a) it is executed;

(b) it is cancelled; or

(c) the expiry of three months from the date of its issue,

whichever may occur first.


116. Incidental discovery

If, in the course of a lawful search for anything other than articles referred to in section 110(1), the

person executing the search finds an article referred to in section 110(1), in respect of which a

reasonable suspicion of illegality or illegal possession exists, such person may seize such article, and

must then deal with it or dispose of it in terms of this Act.


CHAPTER 15

PRESUMPTIONS

117. Presumption of possession of firearm or ammunition

(1) For purposes of this section “residential premises” does not include a hotel, hostel, or an apartment

building, but includes a room or suite in a hotel, a room in a hostel and an apartment in an apartment

building.

(2) Whenever a person is charged in terms of this Act with an offence of which the possession of a

firearm or ammunition is an element, and the State can show that despite the taking of reasonable

steps it was not able with reasonable certainty to link the possession of the firearm or ammunition to

any other person, the following circumstances will, in the absence of evidence to the contrary which

raises reasonable doubt, be sufficient evidence of possession by that person of the firearm or

ammunition where it is proved that the firearm or ammunition was found—

(a) on residential premises and the person was, at the time—

(i) in control of such premises; or

(ii) over the age of 16 years and ordinarily resident at such premises;

(b) buried in or hidden on land used for residential purposes and the person was, at the time—

[Words preceding s 117(2)(b)(i) subs by s 14(a) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(i) in control of such land;

(ii) employed to work on the land in or on which the firearm or ammunition was found; or

(iii) over the age of 16 years and ordinarily resident on such land;

(c) on premises other than residential premises and the person was, at the time—

(i) in control of such premises;

(ii) ordinarily employed on the premises;

(iii) present in the immediate vicinity of the place on the premises where the firearm or

ammunition was found and the circumstances indicate that the firearm or ammunition

should have been visible to that person; or

(iv) in control of a locker, cupboard or other container within which the firearm or ammunition

was found;

(d) in or on a vehicle and the person was, at the time—

(i) the driver of the vehicle;

(ii) the person in charge of the vehicle;

(iii) in control of all the goods on the vehicle;

(iv) the consignor of any goods in or among which the firearm or ammunition was found;

(v) the only person who had access to the firearm or ammunition;

(vi) the employer of the driver of the vehicle and present on the vehicle; or

(vii) over the age of 16 years and present on the vehicle;

(e) on any aircraft other than an aircraft which was used to convey passengers for gain, and the

person was at the time—

(i) present on the aircraft and in charge of the aircraft; or

(ii) over the age of 16 years and present on the aircraft;

(f) in the hold of an aircraft and the person was, at the time, the person in charge of the goods in

the hold;

(g) in a place on an aircraft or vessel—

(i) to which no one besides the person had access; or

(ii) where the circumstances indicate that the firearm or ammunition should have been visible

to no one besides the person;

(h) on any vessel other than a vessel which was used to convey passengers for gain, and the

person was, at the time—

(i) in charge of that vessel or that part of the vessel in which the firearm or ammunition was

found;

(ii) ordinarily employed in the immediate vicinity of the place on the vessel where the firearm

or ammunition was found; or

(iii) over the age of 16 years and present in that part of the vessel; or

(i) in the cargo of a vessel and the person was, at the time—

(i) in control of the cargo of the vessel; or

(ii) the consignor of any goods in or among which the firearm or ammunition was found.

(3) In any criminal proceedings against a person where it is alleged that such person has injured or killed

another person or has damaged property belonging to another person, the following circumstances

will, in the absence of evidence to the contrary which raises a reasonable doubt, be sufficient evidence

that such person participated in the injury, killing or damage, where it is proved that—

(a) the person was driving, or was a passenger in, a vehicle other than a vehicle designed or

licensed to convey more than 20 passengers;

[S 117(3)(a) subs by s 14(b) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(b) a firearm was discharged from that vehicle while the person was driving or was a passenger in

the vehicle; and

(c) as a result of such discharge, a person was injured or killed, or property was damaged.


118. Presumptions relating to failure to report

(1) Whenever a person is charged with an offence in terms of this Act of failing to report the loss, theft or

destruction of a firearm and it is proved that such person was, at the time, the licensed or authorised

possessor of the firearm alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, proof that the person has

failed to produce such firearm within seven days of the request by a police official to do so, will, in the

absence of evidence to the contrary which raises reasonable doubt, be sufficient evidence that the

firearm has been lost, stolen or destroyed.

(2) Whenever a person is charged with an offence in terms of this Act of failing to furnish information or

particulars on request of a police official and it is proved that such person was, at the time, the

licensed or authorised possessor of the firearm alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, proof

that the person has failed to produce such information or particulars within seven days of the request

of a police official to do so, will, in the absence of evidence to the contrary which raises reasonable

doubt, be sufficient evidence that the person has failed to furnish such information or particulars.


119. Presumption of failure to take reasonable steps

Whenever a person is charged in terms of this Act with an offence of failing to take reasonable steps

to ensure that no firearm or ammunition is brought onto premises, a vehicle, a vessel or an aircraft

under his or her ownership or control in contravention of this Act, proof that the firearm or ammunition

was brought onto premises, a vehicle, a vessel or an aircraft under his or her ownership or control,

will, in the absence of evidence to the contrary which raises reasonable doubt, be sufficient evidence

that he or she failed to take such reasonable steps.


CHAPTER 16

OFFENCES, PENALTIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FINES

120. Offences

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he or she contravenes or fails to comply with any—

(a) provision of this Act;

[Commencement of s 120(1)(a): 1 June 2001.]

(b) condition of a licence, permit or authorisation issued or granted by or under this Act; or

(c) provision, direction or requirement of a notice issued under this Act.

[Commencement of s 120(1)(c): 1 June 2001.]

(2)

(a) Any person who is aware of the existence of a firearm or ammunition that is not in the lawful

possession of any person and fails to report the location of the firearm or ammunition to a police

official without delay, is guilty of an offence.

(b) A police official to whom a person has made a report contemplated in paragraph (a), must

immediately provide the person with written proof that the report has been made or, in the case

of a telephonic or similar report, with the official reference number of the report.

(3) It is an offence to—

(a) cause bodily injury to any person or cause damage to property of any person by negligently

using a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun;

(b) discharge or otherwise handle a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun in a manner likely to

injure or endanger the safety or property of any person or with reckless disregard for the safety

or property of any person; or

(c) have control of a loaded firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun in circumstances where it

creates a risk to the safety or property of any person and not to take reasonable precautions to

avoid the danger.

(4) It is an offence to handle a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun while under the influence of a

substance which has an intoxicating or a narcotic effect.

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if he or she gives control of a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun

to a person whom he or she knows, or ought reasonably to have known—

(a) to be mentally ill; or

(b) to be under the influence of a substance which has an intoxicating or a narcotic effect.

(6) It is an offence to point—

(a) any firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun, whether or not it is loaded or capable of being

discharged, at any other person, without good reason to do so; or

(b) anything which is likely to lead a person to believe that it is a firearm, an antique firearm or an

airgun at any other person, without good reason to do so.

(7) It is an offence to discharge a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun in a built-up area or any public

place, without good reason to do so.

[S 120(7) subs by s 15(a) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(8) A person is guilty of an offence if he or she—

(a) fails to lock away his or her firearm or a firearm in his or her possession in a prescribed safe,

strong-room or device for the safe-keeping when such firearm is not carried on his or her person

or is not under his or her direct control; or

(b) loses a firearm, or is otherwise dispossessed of a firearm owing to that person’s failure to—

(i) lock the firearm away in a prescribed safe, strong-room or device for the safekeeping of a

firearm;

(ii) take reasonable steps to prevent the loss or theft of the firearm while the firearm was on

his or her person or under his or her direct control; or

(iii) keep the keys to such safe, strong-room or device in safe custody.


(a) add any word, figure or letter to a competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation as

issued, without the Registrar’s permission;

(b) alter or erase any word, figure or letter on or from any competency certificate, licence, permit or

authorisation, without the Registrar’s permission;

[S 120(9)(b) subs by s 15(a) of Act 43 of 2003.]

(c) use or possess any competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation—

(i) to which any words, figures or letters have been unlawfully added;

(ii) from which any words, figures or letters have been unlawfully erased; or

(iii) on which any words, figures or letters have been unlawfully altered;

(d) part with a competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation in order that it may be used

by any person other than the person to whom it was issued or granted;

(e) use a competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation issued in the name of another

person to procure possession of a firearm or ammunition;

(f) supply particulars, information or answers in an application for a competency certificate, licence,

permit or authorisation in terms of this Act, knowing them to be false, incorrect or misleading or

not believing them to be correct;

(g) make a false entry in a register which is required to be kept in terms of this Act; or

(h) furnish false information in any return required to be submitted in terms of this Act.


(a) sell, supply or in any other manner give possession of a firearm or ammunition to a person who

is not allowed in terms of this Act to possess that firearm or ammunition; or

(b) be in possession of any firearm, airgun, deactivated firearm, muzzle loading firearm, or imitation

firearm, with intent to commit an offence or to use the firearm, airgun, deactivated firearm,

muzzle loading firearm, or imitation firearm to resist arrest or prevent the arrest of another

person.

[S 120(10)(b) subs by s 6(a) of Act 15 of 2013.]

(10A) In determining whether a person intends to use the firearm, airgun, deactivated firearm, muzzle

loading firearm or imitation firearm to commit an offence, all relevant factors, including, but not limited

to, the following must be taken into account—

(a) the place and time where the person is found;

(b) the behaviour of the person, including the making of any threat or the display of intimidatory

behaviour;

(c) the manner in which the firearm, airgun, deactivated firearm, muzzle loading firearm or imitation

firearm is carried or displayed;

(d) whether the possession of the firearm, airgun, deactivated firearm, muzzle loading firearm or

imitation firearm was within the context of drug dealing, gang association, organised crime or

any other criminal activity; or

(e) any other relevant factors, including any explanation the person may wish to provide for his or

her possession of the firearm, airgun, deactivated firearm, muzzle loading firearm or imitation

firearm: Provided that this paragraph shall not be interpreted as an obligation on the person to

explain his or her possession of the firearm, airgun, deactivated firearm, muzzle loading firearm

or imitation firearm.

[S 120(10A) ins by s 6(b) of Act 15 of 2013.]

(10B) The provisions of subsection (10)(b) do not apply to the following activities—

(a) the pursuit of any lawful employment, duty or activity;

(b) the participation in any cultural or religious activities, or lawful sport, recreation, or

entertainment; or

(c) the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of a firearm, airgun, deactivated firearm, muzzle

loading firearm or imitation firearm.

[S 120(10B) ins by s 6(b) of Act 15 of 2013.]

(11) Any holder of a licence, permit or authorisation to possess a firearm, and any other person who was in

possession of or who had control of a firearm when it was lost, stolen or destroyed and who fails to

report the loss, theft or destruction to the police station nearest to the place where it occurred, within

24 hours after having become aware of the loss, theft or destruction of the firearm, is guilty of an

offence.

(12) It is an offence to obstruct or hinder any person in the exercise of any power or the performance of

any duty in terms of this Act.

[Commencement of s 120: 1 July 2004 except s 120(1)(a) and 120(1)(c).]

121. Penalties

Any person convicted of a contravention of or a failure to comply with any section mentioned in

Column 1 of Schedule 4, may be sentenced to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding the

period mentioned in Column 2 of that Schedule opposite the number of that section.


122. Administrative fines

(1) If a person is alleged to have committed an offence contemplated in section 120 for which that person

may be sentenced to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years in terms of section

121, the Registrar may cause to be delivered by hand to that person (hereinafter referred to as the

infringer) an infringement notice which must contain the particulars contemplated in subsection (2).

(2) A notice referred to in subsection (1) must—

(a) specify the name and address of the infringer;

(b) specify the particulars of the alleged offence;

(c) specify the amount of the administrative fine payable, which—

(i) if the period contemplated in subsection (1) does not exceed two years, may, in respect

of a first infringement, not exceed R5 000 and, in respect of a second or subsequent

infringement, not exceed R10 000;

(ii) if the period contemplated in subsection (1) does not exceed three years, may, in respect



(iii) if the period contemplated in subsection (1) does not exceed four years, may, in respect


infringement, not exceed R40 000; or

(iv) if the period contemplated in subsection (1) does not exceed five years, may, in respect



(d) inform the infringer that, not later than 30 days after the date of service of the infringement

notice, the infringer may—

(i) pay the administrative fine;

(ii) make arrangements with the Registrar to pay the administrative fine in instalments; or

(iii) elect to be tried in court on a charge of having committed the alleged offence; and

(e) state that a failure to comply with the requirements of the notice within the time permitted, will

result in the administrative fine becoming recoverable as contemplated in subsection (4).

(3) If an infringer elects to be tried in court on a charge of having committed the alleged contravention or

failure, the Registrar must hand the matter over to the prosecuting authority and inform the infringer

accordingly.

(4) If an infringer fails to comply with the requirements of a notice, the Registrar may file with the clerk or

registrar of any competent court a statement certified by him or her as correct, setting forth the amount

of the administrative fine payable by the infringer, and such statement thereupon has all the effects of

a civil judgment lawfully given in that court in favour of the Registrar for a liquid debt in the amount

specified in the statement.

(5) The Registrar may not impose an administrative fine contemplated in this section if the person

concerned has been charged with a criminal offence in respect of the same set of facts.

(6) No prosecution may be instituted against a person if the person concerned has paid an administrative

fine in terms of this section in respect of the same set of facts.

(7) An administrative fine imposed in terms of this section does not constitute a previous conviction as

contemplated in Chapter 27 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977).


CHAPTER 17

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURES

123. Registrar of Firearms

The National Commissioner is the Registrar of Firearms.


124. Functions of Registrar

(1) The Registrar must perform his or her functions in accordance with such directions as the Minister

may issue.

(2) The Registrar must—

[Words preceding s 124(2)(a) subs by s 16 of Act 43 of 2003.]

(a) establish and maintain the Central Firearms Register;

(b) establish and control the Office of the Central Firearms Register;

(c) recover the fees payable in terms of this Act;

(d) develop a training curriculum for competency testing in terms of this Act;

(e) conduct research into firearms policies;

(f) monitor the implementation of this Act;

(g) conduct public education programmes concerning the provisions of this Act and all other

matters relating to the safe possession and use of firearms; and

(h) designate police officials as Designated Firearms Officers.

[Commencement of s 124(2)(h): 1 July 2003.]

(3) The Registrar may—

(a) conduct any investigation or enquiry which he or she deems necessary in order to exercise his

or her powers or carry out his or her duties in terms of this Act; and

(b) make recommendations to the Minister on any matter relating to this Act.

[Commencement of s 124(3): 1 July 2003; commencement of s 124: 1 July 2004 except s 124(2)(h) and s

124(3).]

125. Central Firearms Register

(1) The Central Firearms Register must contain—

(a) the central firearms database;

(b) the central dealers database;

(c) the central manufacturers database;

(d) the central gunsmiths database;

(e) the central importers and exporters database;

(f) the central Official Institutions database; and

(g) any other information required to be kept by the Registrar in terms of this Act.

[Commencement of s 125(1)(g): 1 July 2003.]

(2) The central databases referred to in subsection (1) must contain—

(a) such information as may be prescribed concerning—

(i) competency certificates, licences, authorisations and permits, as well as renewals and

cancellations thereof;

(ii) applications for competency certificates, licences, authorisations and permits and any

renewal applications which have been refused in terms of this Act;

(iii) transfers of firearms effected in terms of this Act;

(iv) imports and exports of firearms and ammunition in terms of this Act;

(v) the transport of firearms and ammunition in terms of this Act; and

(vi) the loss, recovery, theft or destruction of firearms;

(b) all original documentation submitted in support of all applications made in terms of this Act;

(c) a record of all licensed dealers, manufacturers, gunsmiths, importers and exporters,

transporters for reward, accredited institutions, organisations and all firearms and ammunition in

their possession;

(d) a record of all firearms in the possession of Official Institutions;

(e) a record of the acquisition, transfer, loss, theft or destruction in respect of firearms in the

possession of Official Institutions;

(f) a record of all firearms recovered, forfeited to the State or destroyed;

(g) the fingerprints which have been submitted for purposes of an application in terms of this Act;

and

(h) any other documentation and information as may be prescribed.

[Commencement of s 125: 1 July 2004 except s 125(1)(g).]

126. Certificate signed by Registrar to constitute prima facie evidence

Any document containing information contemplated in section 125 and purporting to be a certificate

signed by the Registrar is, upon production in a court by any person, prima facie evidence of the facts

stated therein.


127. Appointment and functions of Head of Office of Central Firearms Register

(1) The Registrar must, with the approval of the Minister, designate a police official as Head of the Office

of the Central Firearms Register.

(2) The Head of the Office of the Central Firearms Register—

(a) must manage the Office of the Central Firearms Register;

(b) must perform the duties assigned to him or her by the Registrar; and

(c) may exercise such powers as may be delegated to him or her by the Registrar.


128. Establishment of Appeal Board

(1) An Appeal Board is hereby established.

(2) The Appeal Board consists of no more than five members who must be appointed by the Minister and

who, when viewed collectively, must as far as possible be broadly representative of the population of

the Republic.


129. Conditions of service, remuneration and allowances of members of Appeal Board

(1) The period and conditions of office, remuneration and allowances of the members of the Appeal Board

are as prescribed by the Minister with the approval of the Minister of Finance.

(2)

(a) The Minister may at any time withdraw the appointment of a member of the Appeal Board if

there is sufficient reason for doing so.

(b) A member may resign by notice in writing to the Minister.


130. Quorum, meetings and procedure of Appeal Board

(1) The quorum for, the procedure at, and the holding of meetings of the Appeal Board are as prescribed.

(2) The Appeal Board may establish such committees consisting of members of the Appeal Board as may

be prescribed to perform the duties assigned to them by the Appeal Board and to exercise such

powers as may be delegated to them by the Appeal Board.


131. Administrative work of Appeal Board

The administrative work of the Appeal Board must be performed by such members of the South

African Police Service as may be designated by the National Commissioner.


132. Establishment of Ministerial Committees

(1) The Minister may establish such committees as may be appropriate to assist him or her, or any other

person appointed in terms of this Act, in respect of any matter dealt with in this Act.

(2) The composition and functions of the committees may be determined by the Minister.

(3) The conditions of office, remuneration, allowances and other benefits of members of the committees

may be prescribed by the Minister with the approval of the Minister of Finance.


CHAPTER 18

RIGHT OF APPEAL

133. Right of appeal

(1) Any person—

(a) whose application for a competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation in terms of this

Act has been refused;

(b) whose competency certificate, licence, permit, or authorisation has been cancelled;

(c) whose licence, permit or authorisation has been issued subject to any condition; or

(d) who has received a notice of an administrative decision in terms of this Act which may

detrimentally affect his or her rights,

[Commencement of s 133(1)(d): 1 July 2003.]

may, in the prescribed manner, appeal to the Appeal Board.

(2) The Appeal Board may confirm, vary or reverse any decision against which an appeal has been

lodged in terms of this section.

[Commencement of s 133(2): 1 July 2003.]

(3) The Appeal Board may admit evidence of facts not before the Registrar when he or she made the

decision which is the subject of the appeal only if—

(a) there is a reasonable explanation for the failure timeously to inform the Registrar of the facts;

and

(b) the Registrar has had sufficient opportunity to verify the facts and to present any evidence to the

Appeal Board in this regard.


(4) Subject to the provisions of this Act, no person is excused from complying with any of the provisions of

this Act on the ground that an appeal is pending in terms of this section.

[Commencement of s 133(4): 1 July 2003; commencement of s 133: 1 July 2004 except s 133(1)(d), (2), (3)

and (4).]

CHAPTER 19

COMPENSATION

134. Circumstances where no compensation is payable in respect of firearms and ammunition

forfeited to State

No compensation is payable to a person in respect of a firearm or ammunition forfeited to the State in

terms of this Act—

(a) if the relevant licence, permit or authorisation was cancelled in terms of this Act because the

holder of the licence had contravened or not complied with a provision of this Act or a condition

specified in that licence, permit or authorisation; or

(b) if the holder of the licence, permit or authorisation became or was in terms of section 102 or 103

declared unfit to possess a firearm.


135. Circumstances where no compensation is payable in respect of firearms and ammunition

seized by State

(1) No compensation is payable to a person from whom a firearm or ammunition was seized by the State

if—

(a) no licence, permit or authorisation had been issued for such firearm or ammunition to that

person in terms of this Act; or

(b) the firearm or ammunition was for any other reason unlawfully in the possession of that person.

(2) The lawful owner of a firearm or ammunition lost or stolen as a result of his or her negligence is not

entitled to claim compensation if such firearm or ammunition is subsequently seized by the State from

another person.


136. No compensation payable where firearms or ammunition are destroyed by State

(1) The Registrar may in respect of any firearm or ammunition seized by, surrendered to or forfeited to the

State, issue a notice in the Gazette stating that it is the intention of the State to destroy that firearm or

ammunition.

(2) Any person who has a valid claim to the relevant firearm or ammunition may, within 21 days after the

publication of the notice in the Gazette, make representations to the Registrar as to why the firearm or

ammunition should not be destroyed.

(3) If the Registrar is satisfied, after consideration of any representations contemplated in subsection (2),

that a valid claim to the relevant firearm or ammunition has not been proved, the firearm or

ammunition may be destroyed and no compensation will be payable to anyone in respect thereof.


137. Application for compensation

(1) A person whose firearm has been surrendered or forfeited to the State in circumstances other than

those referred to in sections 134, 135 and 136 may apply to the Registrar for compensation in respect

of that firearm in the prescribed form.

(2) On receipt of an application for compensation made in terms of this section, the Registrar must—

(a) decide whether or not compensation is payable in terms of this Chapter;

(b) if compensation is payable, attempt to agree with the applicant on the amount of compensation

to be paid; and

(c) if compensation is payable, but no compensation is agreed upon, determine the amount of

compensation to be paid.

(3) An applicant for compensation may appeal against a decision of the Registrar made in terms of

subsection (2)(c).

(4) On receipt of an appeal lodged in terms of subsection (3) the Appeal Board must—

(a) hear the applicant and the Registrar; and

(b) determine the amount of compensation to be paid.

(5) The Minister must, with the approval of the Minister of Finance, establish guidelines for the payment of

compensation, taking into account the—

(a) financial constraints on the State and its ability to meet actual and anticipated claims for

compensation; and

(b) interests of persons who have applied or may in the future apply for compensation.

(6) The guidelines referred to in subsection (5) bind—

(a) the Registrar when he or she agrees or determines compensation in terms of subsection (2);

and

(b) the Appeal Board when it determines compensation in terms of subsection (4).

(7) A person who is not satisfied with the amount of compensation or the time or manner of payment as

determined by the Appeal Board, may approach a court to determine the amount, the time and the

manner of payment of the compensation.


CHAPTER 20

SPECIAL POWERS RELATING TO AMNESTIES AND FIREARM-FREE ZONES

138. Definition

In this Chapter “amnesty” means an indemnity against prosecution for the unlawful possession of a

firearm or ammunition.


139. Amnesty

(1) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare an amnesty if—

(a) the amnesty may result in the reduction of the number of illegally possessed firearms in South

Africa; and

(b) it is in the public interest to do so.

(2) A notice contemplated in subsection (1)—

(a) will only be valid if it is approved by Parliament;

(b) must specify the period during which persons may apply for amnesty; and

(c) must specify the conditions under which amnesty may be granted.

(3) A person who surrenders a firearm or ammunition in compliance with a notice published in terms of

subsection (1), may not be prosecuted in relation to—

(a) the firearm, for having been in possession of that firearm without the appropriate licence, permit

or authorisation; or

(b) the ammunition, for having been in possession of that ammunition without having been in lawful

possession of a firearm capable of discharging the ammunition.

(4)

(a) A person who surrenders a firearm in compliance with a notice published in terms of subsection

(1) may apply in terms of this Act for a licence in respect of that firearm.

(b) If a licence is granted, the firearm and ammunition, if any, surrendered in terms of this Act must

be returned to the holder of the licence.

(5) The Registrar must dispose of any firearm or ammunition surrendered in compliance with a notice in

terms of subsection (1) in such manner and after the expiry of such period as may be prescribed.


140. Firearm-free zones

(1) The Minister may, after consultation with the National Commissioner and the Secretary for the Police

Service, by notice in the Gazette declare any premises or categories of premises to be firearm-free

zones, if it is—

(a) in the public interest; and

(b) in accordance with the objects of this Act.

(2) Unless authorised to do so in terms of a notice issued under subsection (1), no person may—

(a) allow any firearm or ammunition to be in a firearm-free zone;

(b) carry any firearm or ammunition in a firearm-free zone; or

(c) store any firearm or ammunition in a firearm-free zone.

(3) A police official may, without warrant—

(a) search any building or premises in a firearm-free zone if he or she has a suspicion on

reasonable grounds that a firearm or ammunition may be present in the firearm-free zone in

contravention of a notice issued in terms of subsection (1);

(b) search any person present in a firearm-free zone; and

(c) seize any firearm or ammunition present in the firearm-free zone or on the person in

contravention of a notice issued in terms of subsection (1).

(4) The Minister may prescribe measures to be taken regarding the demarcation of and placing of

signposts on premises constituting a firearm-free zone in order to notify the public that the premises

are declared a firearm-free zone.

[Commencement of s 140: 1 June 2001; s 140(4) ins by s 17 of Act 43 of 2003.]

CHAPTER 21

GENERAL PROVISIONS

141. Delegation of powers and assignment of duties

(1) The Registrar may delegate any power conferred on him or her and assign any duty imposed on him

or her by or under this Act to any official in the service of the State.

(2) An official to whom a power has been delegated or a duty has been assigned in terms of subsection

(1) must exercise the power or perform the duty subject to the control and directions of the Registrar.

(3) The Registrar may, notwithstanding a delegation or assignment in terms of subsection (1), personally

exercise the power or perform the duty delegated or assigned to another official.


142. Designation as police officials

For purposes of this Act, the Minister may in writing designate any person or any category of persons

employed by the State, as police officials.


143. Service of documents

(1) Any notice or other document to be served on or given to any person in terms of this Act may be—

(a) delivered by hand to that person;

(b) left at that person’s usual or last known place of residence or business;

(c) left at an address specified by that person for the purpose of any application made in terms of

this Act;

(d) posted by certified mail addressed to that person by name at that person’s last known place of

residence or business or at a postal address specified by that person for the purpose of any

application made in terms of this Act;

(e) delivered to any legal representative or other agent of that person who is duly authorised by that

person to receive it;

(f) if the relevant person is deceased, delivered to that person’s legal representative or to the

executor of his or her estate; or

(g) if the relevant person is absent from South Africa, delivered to that person’s legal representative

or agent in South Africa or served in such manner as may be prescribed by regulation.

(2) This section does not apply to notices or other documents served or given during the course of any

proceedings in a court of law or to notices in terms of section 122.


144. Return of service

A document purporting to be signed by a police official, or person designated under section 142,

indicating that the service was effected in accordance with section 143(1) by the person who has

signed the document, is upon production in a court by any person, prima facie evidence of service of

the document.


145. Regulations

(1) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, make regulations regarding—

(a) anything that may or must be prescribed in terms of this Act;

[Commencement of s 145(1)(a): 1 July 2003.]

(b) the surrendering of firearms and ammunition to the South African Police Service;

(c) the production of any firearm to which any application relates for the purpose of identification,

and the discharging of ammunition for identification purposes;

(d) the determination and payment of fees payable in respect of the issue or renewal of any

competency certificate, licence, permit or authorisation or in respect of anything else for which a

fee may be charged in terms of this Act;

(e) the fees or remuneration which may be charged by dealers in respect of any firearm, or other

device, required to be disposed of through a dealer in terms of this Act;

(f) the security of any premises at which dealers, manufacturers, gunsmiths, importers and

exporters of firearms and ammunition, Official Institutions or persons who use firearms for

business purposes conduct business, including precautions and procedures to be taken to

prevent the theft or unlawful use of firearms and ammunition in the possession of such persons;

(g) precautions to be taken in respect of the carriage, use, safe custody or destruction of firearms

and ammunition;

(h) the surrender and disposal of competency certificates, licences, permits or authorisations

issued in terms of this Act which have been suspended, revoked or cancelled or which have

ceased to be valid;

(i) the notification of change of address;

(j) the acquisition, disposal, possession, import or export of equipment and material designed for

the loading of ammunition;

(k) the taking of fingerprints;

[Commencement of s 145(1)(k): 1 July 2003.]

(l) the periods for and the manner in which, and by whom, documentation contemplated in this Act

must be retained;

[Commencement of s 145(1)(l): 1 July 2003.]

(m) the training and testing and such other measures as may be necessary to ensure the

competency of employees of an Official Institution who may possess and use firearms under the

control of the Official Institution; and

(n) generally with regard to any other matter which it is necessary or expedient to prescribe in order

to achieve or promote the objects of this Act.

[Commencement of s 145(1)(n): 1 July 2003.]

(2) A regulation may provide for a penalty for any contravention thereof or failure to comply therewith, of a

fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or both a fine and such imprisonment.


(3) A regulation regarding the determination of fees may be made only with the approval of the Minister of

Finance.

(4) In making regulations, other than those relating to the payment of fees, the Minister may differentiate

between different areas in South Africa.

[Commencement of s 145: 1 July 2004 except s 145(1)(a), (k), (l), (n) and (2).]

146. Disposal of firearms in case of ceasing to carry on business

If a person who holds a licence issued in terms of section 20 or who holds a licence, permit or

authorisation contemplated in Chapter 7 or 8, ceases to carry on business for any reason, the firearms

and ammunition in possession of that person must be kept in safe custody by the person and at the

place designated by the Registrar, until they are disposed of as prescribed.


147. Disposal of firearms in case of death

(1) In the case of the death of the holder of a firearm licence, the firearm in question must be disposed of

as prescribed.

(2) The executor of the estate of a deceased person who comes into possession of a firearm licensed to

the deceased must store the firearm as prescribed.


148. Inherited firearms

(1) A person who inherits a firearm or muzzle loading firearm must—

(a) if he or she wishes to keep the firearm, apply for an appropriate licence, permit or authorisation

in terms of this Act;

(b) if he or she wishes to keep the muzzle loading firearm, obtain the necessary competency

certificate in order to possess the muzzle loading firearm; or

(c) if he or she does not wish to acquire the firearm or muzzle loading firearm, or fails to obtain the

appropriate licence, permit or authorisation or competency certificate, have the firearm or

muzzle loading firearm deactivated or dispose of it in terms of this Act.

[S 148(1) subs by s 49 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(2) The Registrar may issue a temporary authorisation contemplated in section 21, to allow a person who

inherits a firearm a reasonable time to dispose of it.


149. Compulsory destruction of firearms, muzzle loading firearms and ammunition

(1) A firearm or muzzle loading firearm may only be destroyed as prescribed.

(2) Any firearm, muzzle loading firearm or ammunition forfeited to the State in terms of this Act—

(a) must be destroyed by the State within six months of the date of the forfeiture or after all possible

appeals have been concluded or the last date on which any appeal could have been noted has

passed without an appeal having been noted, whichever occurs last; and

(b) remains the property of the owner thereof until its destruction.

(3)

(a) Despite subsection (2), the State may retain any firearm, muzzle loading firearm or ammunition

forfeited to the State, which the Registrar deems to be of special value.

(b) Any firearm, muzzle loading firearm or ammunition retained by the Registrar in terms of

paragraph (a) becomes the property of the State when the Registrar informs the former owner

of the firearm, muzzle loading firearm or ammunition of that fact.

(c) Subject to Chapter 19, the former owner of any firearm, muzzle loading firearm or ammunition

which becomes the property of the State in terms of paragraph (b) may apply for compensation

in terms of this Act.

(4)

(a) Subject to subsection (1) no person, including the State, may destroy a firearm or muzzle

loading firearm without the prior written permission of the Registrar.

(b) The Registrar must only consent to the destruction of a firearm, muzzle loading firearm or

ammunition with due regard to and in compliance with the provisions of the National Heritage

Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999), and any condition which may be imposed by the South

African Heritage Resources Agency or their nominated agents.


150. Deactivation of firearms or muzzle loading firearms

[Section heading subs by s 51(a) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(1) For purposes of this section ‘to deactivate’ means to render permanently inoperable and ‘deactivation’

has a corresponding meaning.

(2) A firearm or muzzle loading firearm may only be deactivated by a gunsmith in the prescribed manner.

[S 150(2) subs by s 51(b) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(3) If a firearm or muzzle loading firearm is deactivated by a gunsmith—

[Words preceding s 150(3)(a) subs by s 51(c) of Act 28 of 2006 wef 1 March 2012.]

(a) the gunsmith must issue a certificate to that effect indicating the manner in which the

deactivation was performed;

(b) the holder of the licence in respect of the firearm in question must notify the Registrar within 14

days after such deactivation, and at the same time forward to the Registrar a copy of the

deactivation certificate; and

(c) the gunsmith must notify the Registrar within 14 days after any deactivation done by him or her,

and at the same time forward to the Registrar a copy of the deactivation certificate.

(4)

(a) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, determine that a certificate of deactivation which is

valid in a country other than the Republic is a valid certificate of deactivation in the Republic.

(b) A notice contemplated in paragraph (a) must be approved by Parliament before publication

thereof.


151. Jurisdiction of magistrates’ courts

Despite any law to the contrary, any magistrates’ court has jurisdiction to impose any penalty provided

for in terms of this Act.


152. Act binds State

This Act binds the State.


153. Repeal of laws

Subject to Schedule 1, the laws mentioned in the first column of Schedule 3 are hereby repealed to

the extent mentioned in the third column of Schedule 3.

[S 153 subs by s 18 of Act 43 of 2003; commencement of s 153: 1 July 2004.]

154. Short title

This Act is called the Firearms Control Act, 2000.


Schedule 1

TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

1. Existing licence to possess an arm

(1) Subject to subitem (2) and item 11, any licence which was issued in terms of the previous Act and

which was valid immediately before the date of the commencement of this Act, remains valid for a

period of five years from the date on which this Act comes into operation, unless such licence is

terminated, cancelled or surrendered in terms of this Act.

(2)

(a) The holder of a licence to possess an arm contemplated in subitem (1) must, before the end of

the period contemplated in that subitem, in a lawful manner dispose of any firearms in his or her

possession in excess of the number that he or she may lawfully possess in terms of this Act.

(b) For the purpose of paragraph (a), section 31(2) does not apply.

(3) Any firearm not disposed of as contemplated in subitem (2) may be forfeited to the State and must be

disposed of in the prescribed manner.

1A. Muzzle loading firearms

(1) A person who possesses a muzzle loading firearm must apply within one year from the date of

commencement of section 52 of the Firearms Control Amendment Act, 2006, for the relevant

competency certificate to possess a muzzle loading firearm in terms of this Act.

(2) No prosecution may be instituted during the period referred to in subitem (1) against any person found

in possession of a muzzle loading firearm without having been issued with a relevant competency

certificate.

(3) The period referred to in subsection (1) may be extended by the Minister for such period as the

Minister may determine by notice in the Gazette.

(4) If the application for a competency certificate has been lodged within the period provided for in

subitem (1), or the extended period referred to in subitem (3), the possession of the muzzle loading

firearm remains lawful until the application for a competency certificate is decided.

[Item 1A ins by s 52 of Act 28 of 2006 wef 10 January 2011.]

2. Existing dealer’s licence

Subject to item 11, any licence issued in terms of section 19(1) of the previous Act or transferred in

terms of section 20 of that Act or any temporary licence issued in terms of section 19A(1) of the

previous Act, which was valid immediately before the date of commencement of this Act, remains valid

for one year from that date, unless it is terminated, cancelled or surrendered in terms of this Act.

3. Existing permit for importation or exportation of arms and ammunition

Subject to item 11, any permit issued in terms of section 26(1) or 32(1) of the previous Act, which was

valid immediately before the commencement of this Act, remains valid for the period specified in that

permit, unless terminated, cancelled or surrendered in terms of this Act.

4. Existing permit for manufacture of arms and ammunition

Subject to item 11, any permit issued in terms of section 30 of the previous Act, which was valid

immediately before the commencement of this Act, remains valid for one year from that date, unless

terminated, cancelled or surrendered in terms of this Act.

4A. Existing registration certificate to carry on trade of gunsmith

Subject to item 11, any registration certificate to carry on the trade of gunsmith, issued in terms of

regulation 14(4) of the regulations made under the previous Act, which was valid immediately before

the date of commencement of this Act, remains valid for one year from that date, unless terminated,

cancelled or surrendered in terms of this Act.

[Item 4A (Sch 1) ins by s 19 of Act 43 of 2003.]

5. Existing authorisations and certain existing permits

Subject to item 11, any authorisation issued in terms of section 3(5) or 33A(1) of the previous Act or

any permit issued in terms of the previous Act other than a permit contemplated in item 3 or 4, which

was valid immediately before the commencement of this Act, remains valid for the period specified in

the authorisation or permit, as the case may be, unless terminated, cancelled or surrendered in terms

of this Act.

6. Person unfit to possess a firearm

(1) Any person declared to be unfit to possess an arm in terms of the previous Act must be regarded as

having been declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of this Act.

(2) Despite items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, any person holding a licence contemplated in any of those items may in

terms of this Act become or be declared unfit to possess a firearm.

7. Register in terms of previous Act to be kept by Registrar

(1) The register kept in terms of section 42 of the previous Act must be maintained by the Registrar for

such period as may be necessary.

(2) A certificate purporting to be signed by the Commissioner or any person acting under his or her

authority stating any fact recorded in the register referred to in subitem (1) is upon production in a

court by any person, prima facie evidence of the fact so stated.

8. Matters pending under previous Act

(1) Subject to subitems (2) and (3), this Act does not affect any proceedings instituted in terms of the

previous Act which were pending in a court of law immediately before the date of commencement of

this Act, and such proceedings must be disposed of in the court in question as if this Act had not been

passed.

(2) Proceedings contemplated in subitem (1) must be regarded as having been pending if the person

concerned had pleaded to the charge in question.

(3) No proceedings may continue against any person in respect of any contravention of a provision of the

previous Act if the alleged act or omission constituting the offence would not have constituted an

offence if this Act had been in force at the time when the act or omission took place.

(4)

(a) Despite the repeal of the previous Act, any person who, before such repeal, committed an act or

omission which constituted an offence under that Act and which constitutes an offence under

this Act, may after this Act takes effect be prosecuted under the relevant provisions of this Act.

(b) Despite the retrospective application of this Act as contemplated in paragraph (a), any penalty

imposed in terms of this Act in respect of an act or omission which took place before this Act

came into operation may not exceed the maximum penalty which could have been imposed on

the date when the act or omission took place.

9. Investigations by Commissioner under previous Act

(1) An investigation by the Commissioner in terms of the previous Act which has not been completed

when this Act commences, must be discontinued.

(2) Any act or omission committed prior to the coming into operation of this Act, which constituted grounds

for declaring a person unfit to possess an arm, must be regarded as constituting grounds for declaring

a person unfit to possess a firearm in terms of this Act.

10. Consideration of validity of existing licence, permit and authorisation

(1) Despite this Schedule, the Registrar may at any time notify any person who holds a licence, permit or

authorisation contemplated in item 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 that he or she intends investigating the validity of that

licence, permit or authorisation.

(2) The person notified must on a date specified in the notice furnish the Registrar—

(a) with the original licence, permit or authorisation in question, against the issue of a receipt; and

(b) with such additional information as may be required in terms of the notice.

(3) If the Registrar finds that the licence, permit or authorisation was not validly issued, the holder of the

licence, permit or authorisation must, if applicable and against the issue of a receipt, surrender the

firearm in question to a police official at a police station specified by the Registrar in a written notice to

the holder.

(4) The firearm must be disposed of as prescribed after the expiration of a period of six months after the

date of surrender or after all possible appeals have been concluded or the last date on which any

appeal could have been noted has passed without an appeal having been noted, whichever occurs

last.

(5) The Registrar may declare the holder referred to in subitem (3) to be unfit to possess a firearm, in

which case the provisions of Chapter 12 of this Act apply with the necessary changes.

(6) Any person who fails to comply with subitem (2) or (3) is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction

to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both a fine and such

imprisonment.

11. Renewal of licence

(1)

(a) The holder of a licence, permit, certificate or authorisation contemplated in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A or

5 must apply for the corresponding licence, permit, certificate or authorisation in terms of this

Act within the period determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.

(b) Different periods may be determined in terms of paragraph (a) in respect of—

(i) different licences, permits, certificates or authorisations; and

(ii) holders whose surnames start with different letters of the alphabet, or whose dates of

birth fall in different months.

(c) The period contemplated in paragraph (a) must end before the end of the relevant period

contemplated in item 1(1) and may not exceed the period contemplated in item 2, 3, 4, 4A or 5.

(d) If an application for the renewal of a licence, permit, certificate or authorisation has been lodged

within the period provided for in this section, the licence, permit, certificate or authorisation

remains valid until the application is decided.

(2) An application for a licence, permit, certificate or authorisation contemplated in subitem (1) must in

addition to any requirement in terms of this Act be accompanied by—

(a) a certified copy of the existing licence, permit, certificate or authorisation; and

(b) such other information as may be required.

(3) For purposes of this item, section 9(2)(r) does not apply.

(4) Any holder of a licence, permit, certificate or authorisation who fails to apply for the renewal of his or

her licence, permit, certificate or authorisation before the end of the period determined by the Minister

in terms of subitem (1), is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a

period not exceeding one year or to both a fine and such imprisonment.

[Item 11 (Sch 1) subs by s 20 of Act 43 of 2003; commencement of Sch 1: 1 July 2004.]

Schedule 2

CRIMES AND OFFENCES GIVING RISE TO UNFITNESS ENQUIRY BY COURT

[Section 103(2)]

1. High treason

2. Sedition

3. Malicious damage to property

4. Entering any premises with the intent to commit an offence under the common law or a statutory

provision

5. Culpable homicide

6. Extortion

7. Any crime or offence—

(a) in terms of this Act or the previous Act, in respect of which an accused was not sentenced to a

period of imprisonment without the option of a fine;

(b) in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act 116 of 1998), in respect of which an accused

was not sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine;

(c) involving violence, sexual abuse or dishonesty, in respect of which an accused was not

sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine; or

(d) in terms of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act 26 of 1956), in respect of which an accused was not


(e) in terms of section 18(1)(a) of the Protection from Harassment Act, 2011.

[Item 7(e) ins by s 22 of Act 17 of 2011.]

8. Any conspiracy, incitement or attempt to commit any offence referred to in this Schedule.

[Commencement of Sch 2: 1 July 2004.]

Schedule 3

LAWS REPEALED

[Section 153]

No. and year of Act

Short title

Extent of repeal

Act 75 of 1969

Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969

The whole

Act 80 of 1971

General Law Amendment Act, 1971

Section 25

Act 35 of 1973

Arms and Ammunition Amendment Act, 1973

The whole

No. and year of Act

Short title

Extent of repeal

Act 94 of 1974 Second General Law Amendment Act, 1974 Section 48

Act 16 of 1978


The whole

Act 19 of 1983


The whole

Act 60 of 1988


The whole

Act 30 of 1990


The whole

Act 79 of 1991


The whole

Act 117 of 1992

Arms and Ammunition Acts Amendment Act, 1992

The whole

Act 65 of 1993


The whole

Act 177 of 1993

Arms and Ammunition Second Amendment Act, 1993

The whole

Act 7 of 1995


The whole

Act 8 of 1995

Arms, Ammunition and Armaments Transitional Regulations

Act, 1995

The whole

Act 15 of 1999


The whole

[Sch 3 am by s 21 of Act 43 of 2003; commencement of Sch 3: 1 July 2004.]

Schedule 4

PENALTIES

[Section 121]

Section Maximum period of imprisonment

3 15 years

4 25 years

12(3) Two years

13(4) Two years

14(5) Five years

15(4) Two years

16(3) Two years


16(4) Two years

17(3)(a) Two years

17(3)(b) Three years

17(4) Two years

18(2)(b) Five years

18(3) Five years

18(4)(a) Two years


19(3) Five years

19(4)(a) Two years


19(5) Five years

19(6) Five years

20(4) Five years

20(5)(a) Five years

20(5)(b) 25 years

20(6)(a) Five years

20(6)(b) Five years

20(7) Two years

21(4) Two years

21(5) Five years

23(5) 10 years

23(6) Five years

25(1) Two years

26(1) Two years

28(4) 10 years

28(5) 10 years

29(1) Two years

29(2) Two years

31(1) 25 years

31(2) 25 years

31(3) 15 years

32(2) Four years

36(6) Two years

38 Two years

39(1) Four years

39(2) Four years

39(3) Five years

39(4) Two years

39(5) Three years


39(6) Three years

39(8) Three years

39(9) 15 years

41(4) 25 years

42(4) 25 years

42(5) 25 years

44(1) Two years

44(2) Two years

45(1) 25 years

45(2) 25 years

50(6) Two years

52 Two years

53(1) Four years

53(2) Five years

53(3) Three years

53(4) Two years

53(5) Two years

53(6) Three years

53(7) 15 years

55(4) 25 years

56(4) 25 years

56(5) 25 years

58(1) Two years

58(2) Two years

59 15 years

64(6) Two years

66 Two years

67(1) Two years

67(2) Five years

67(3) Two years

67(4) Three years

67(5) Three years

67(7) Three years

67(8) 15 years

69(4) 25 years

70(4) 25 years

72(1) Two years

72(2) Two years

73(1) 15 years

73(2) 15 years


78(1) Two years

78(2) Three years

78(3) Three years

78(4) 15 years

80(4) 25 years

82(1) Two years

82(2) Two years

83 15 years

84 Two years

85(1) 25 years

87(1) Two years

87(2) Two years

87(3) Two years

88(2) 25 years

90 15 years

91(1) 10 years

93(2) 10 years

93(3) 10 years

94(2) Five years

94(3) Two years

98(1) Two years

98(5) Two years

98(7) Two years

104(2) 15 years

106(1) Two years

107(1) 10 years

107(2) One year

108(1) One year

120(2) 15 years

120(3) Five years

120(4) Three years

120(5) Three years

120(6) 10 years

120(7) Five years

120(8) Five years

120(9) Five years

120(10)(a) 10 years

120(10)(b) 25 years

120(11) 10 years

120(12) Five years


140(2)(a) Five years

140(2)(b) 10 years

140(2)(c) 25 years

146 15 years

147(1) Five years

147(2) Five years

148 25 years

149(1) 10 years

150(2) Five years

150(3)(a) Two years

150(3)(b) Two years

150(3)(c) Two years

[Commencement of Sch 4 to the extent that it relates to the penalties prescribed for a contravention of s

140(2): 1 June 2001, rest of Sch 4: 1 July 2004; Sch 4 am by s 22 of Act 43 of 2003.]

firearms control act - safliicompetency certificates 9. application for competency certificate 10....

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